by R.J. Sanchez

"..And you'd better behave yourself or ELSE.. I'm going to leave you here!.."
I could not help but overhear a mother telling her child as I was walking back into the office today. The mom was having a little discipline problem with her son and decided to use our surroundings as means of getting him to behave. It probably was an approach that some of us may have remembered as we were growing up. Some of us may have even used a similar approach. But I couldn't help but think to myself what effect this may have on the young person on the receiving end.
How many of us look with dread at the thought of visiting a cemetery. Are we merely a place to be thought of on sad occasions or as places of foreboding? To what extent is the part I play helping to build feelings of fear?
I would hope that our visitors look upon our cemetery as a place of rest for their loved ones. And also a place where they can come and find rest in knowing their families' site is cared for. We should be a place where visitors look forward to a bit of quiet time and thoughtful memories.
I know these past few months have been a strain for all our patrons and for our workers, as well. We have been trying to get all the gravesites in order. People, most of whom have been patient and understanding, are waiting for repairs to be completed before they place any flowers or decorations for their loved ones. I know that all our workers have been trying hard to get the work done. Sometimes the weather has cooperated and we are getting closer daily.
I think to myself that there must be a reason for all this. Where is the positive? Perhaps, just maybe, it's a means of bringing us closer together. After all, our visitors must surely see our men at work daily and pulling overtime on weekends. The hundreds of phone calls I take surely give me an opportunity to explain why and what we are doing, as well as, telling people of our limitations. It certainly has been an opportunity for prayer. Maybe by recognizing our "human condition" in that sometimes despite our best efforts we are limited and some things just take time, we can come a little closer to being more patient and respecting each other for our efforts. Just a thought - but I hope there is something there for us to look forward to.
As we enter into this New Year, all of us are reconcentrating our efforts to provide the best service we can while recognizing the outcome ultimately is in the hands of a higher authority. To paraphrase the words of a song by Don Williams (country singer/songwriter)."Lord, I hope this 'year' is good!" With everyone's help and prayers, I'm sure it will be.