Issue 26.16
You’ve probably heard the classic real estate question: What are the three most important components in determining the value of real estate? And the answer: Location, Location, Location. This real estate mantra does have legitimate value when considering an investment.
In considering the three most important components in choosing a funeral home, perhaps the answer in determining the most value is: Experience, Experience Experience. There is no substitute for the value of experience. Many lessons, methods, abilities and even talents are gained and developed through experience. The value of experience can be understood in the following story:
A wealthy woman enters the shop of the most famous milliner (hat maker) in Paris. She is going to a grand event and wants a hat that is truly unique, unlike any other, for she needs to make a fashion and social statement that no other lady could match. Cost is no object. Deciding what material to use for the hat she sees an exquisite, long ribbon and immediately falls in love with it.
The experienced milliner takes the ribbon and says “Qui, Madame, please return next week, and you shall have such a hat.” A week passes. The woman arrives at the experienced milliner’s shop and eagerly inquiries about her new hat. The milliner emerges from the back room and with a most marvelous hat made from the single exquisite piece of ribbon she had selected. With a sweet gasp of little-girl excitement, she asks the milliner to place it correctly on her head. He obliges and watched as she turns to the full-length mirror and preens. Little ooohs and aaahs emanate quietly form her lips as she turns round and round to see how she looks from every angle. Completely satisfied she turns to the experienced milliner and saying “Magnifica”! I will take it. What is the cost?” “Fifty Francs, Madame.”
In 1880’s France, 50 Francs was a lot of money for a hat, even for a woman of means. A look of outrage comes to the woman’s face as she exclaims, “Monsieur that is preposterous! Why, 50 francs is simply too much… why, why, this is only ribbon!” With that, the milliner takes hold of one end of the ribbon and tugs gently. The hat loses its shape and becomes a piece of, well… a simple piece of ribbon.
The milliner offers the ribbon to the woman, and with a smile replies, “Oui, Madame, the ribbon was free.”
Experienced professionals can and do make a difference in the funeral profession. Experience that comes from a lifetime committed to caring for you and your loved one is the foundation of creating a most positive and healing experience during a difficult time. You can benefit from over 110 years of combined experience from the licensed funeral directors at Metcalf Mortuary. Experience does make a difference.
Ron Metcalf can be contacted at Metcalf Mortuary 435-673-4221.