Who are you again?

I wish I could remember every member of every family I've served. I mean that, in a non snarky, sincere way.

There is nothing worse than a family member recognizing you, smiling and calling you by your first name, and I honestly cannot remember who they are. I always remember their face. Always. I usually remember how long ago I served them, but for the life of me, I can't remember their names.

It bothers me because I like to give my best possible service to their family to get them through their tough times of mourning, and make the service they plan (or if they aren't having services, their arrangement meeting) the easiest experience possible for them. I do this because it's my job and I like what I do.

But I feel guilty when I don't remember who in their family died, or their name.

Please don't judge your funeral director for this, they can't remember your loved one's name either. You see, since January, I've met with roughly 120 families....that's only a roundabout estimate in my head. And with each of those 120 families, very seldom is it just one family member making the arrangements. Commonly, 3-4 members of a decedent's family come in, sometimes more, and I've had as many as 17 people in a room, making arrangements for one relative.
(on a side note, DON'T bring 17 people to a funeral arrangement meeting. Don't bring 7. Bring 3-4 people who are decision makers for the family and are going to be financially responsible for the services. Anything over 4 and you're asking for confusion, hurt feelings, and a frazzled funeral director. Funeral arrangements aren't a city council meeting to sit and debate things over.)

Don't expect me to remember your name, just know that I remember serving you, and I hope it was the best service it could have been. It's nothing personal.