Funeral Directors.. the few, the proud.. the hot?

George Stanton

Age 90


My most recent funeral was an older gentleman, very well loved Veteran, Father and Grandfather.  There was much laughter in the eulogy that was given by his granddaughters.  There were only two speaking..so we know that Ted was happy!

You know, I have to say sometimes  - singing funerals with great musicians gives you such a great feeling - I know that sounds weird.. great feeling at the funeral?  When you have sung as many as I have and played as many as Ted has - it is nice to have a real musical moment, if you will, between the pianist and singer.. we had a few of those today- and when the priest sings with us-we get this singing harmony thing going on.. and frankly - we are pretty darn good. But I digress..

Behind the scenes:

When Ted and I are in the back room of the church, He is always talking about many things.. hopping from one topic to another.. He is so funny.  Today's topic was Funeral Directors.  Now one might think, what is there to talk about with Funeral Directors.. well apparently, according to Ted, there is a lot.   I was familiar with the Funeral Home that was used  today - but to my surprise there was some lovely eye candy , I know, I know, is that what I am thinking about when I am singing a funeral.. of course not.. but you always look  at who is walking with the casket, who is seating the family.  And usually,I see older gentlemen  -   But every once in awhile .... He is the son of the Funeral Director.  I never really noticed him before - very handsome - Tall... - and I mentioned this to Ted and he said to me - "it is interesting, these young guys that are in the funeral business don't have any girlfriends -" I thought that was odd.. well think about it.. is this a way to a girl's heart?

She: "what do you for a living"
He: " I am a funeral director"
She: " ah ha... ok. then..."

(really where do you go with that.. )

So we started talking about this funeral home and I got the background of the FD (Funeral Director) - how many times he was married -and how this FD's third marriage is not working out so well - on and on...details I will not go into nor did I need to know. How another FD we both know is always late - how one does not even look like a funeral director - this one looks like she is going shopping at Macy's (remember her?  I have talked about her in one of my earlier blogs)  Oh.. and how this particular organist went and became a FD - and then we went into how he had lost a tremendous amount of weight and how great he looked.. On and on.. on...

Then we switch topics.. get ready for it.. the topic is... TED. Yes, I know. you are all surprised.. well he was a musical director of a show - and he was telling me how I should come and see it - of course my response was 'yes, of course - with all my free time - ok' He said..'you never come to my shows' which isn't exactly true.. I did go to a production of Les Mis.. which was phenomenal.  There will always be a show to go to.. always.

Ok, so now we go and out and sing the rest of the mass - the songs went well - the priest was really into singing  - so we were singing it up.. harmony and all -

The final hymn, which I don't hear often,  was "Mine eyes have seen the Glory" (Battle hymn of the republic) well we  rocked it out!  Big, huge ending.. lots of high notes.. Some music I just love, when it is done right!  But the funny thing was that Ted kept modulating (changing the key of the music) the music on me.. going higher and higher.. I would look over at him.. and he would be laughing. He kept playing, kept modulating.. I kept singing.. But I know my limit - and so did he.  The funeral ended.. and
Ted said..

"I hope I see you real soon, if you know what I mean"

Oh Ted....

Have a peaceful day everyone and make sure you laugh today...
M-