My job allows me some of the most unique personal interactions. Today, an older man and his daughter came into the shop (Bennett Schneider) to order some sympathy acknowledgments. These are the custom pre-printed notes that people order when a loved one dies. First, from a moral perspective, this is the hardest product for me to sell. I hate that we make money when someone loses a loved one. I truly wish our shop made enough money so that I could give these away. Second, it is extremely emotional. I feel I will not say the right thing, or worse, say the wrong thing. Do you ask about the deceased and try to be involved or do you sit, do your job the best you can and simply be helpful? It is hard.
This gentleman and his lovely wife had been married 68 years. I can only hope for that. And from the look in his eyes, I can tell that he loved her every day of his life, and he will continue to. This woman was an avid rose gardener, so much so that the printed acknowledgment will have a rose on it and the memorial service for her will be held in June, when the roses in Kansas City are in bloom.
Mrs. Shelden passed away this morning. And though I never met her, I will say a prayer for her this evening and the husband she left behind.
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poppies and posies
