With an increasing Hispanic population and a retiring Catholic generation migrating south from the predominantly Catholic Northeast, the Bible Belt is taking on a new look.  

Surprising families with a personalized keepsake candle can be a great way for funeral directors to ease families into the most difficult and delicate part of the grieving process.  

These efforts not only create community interest and conversation but may be needed in an era where businesses compete vigorously for our attention.

Why do it at all? Why have a one-year old’s birthday party with gifts, cake and ice cream?  Why have graduation parties and senior pictures?  Why send fancy invitations for weddings? 

I would encourage today's funeral homes to keep up the good fight, continue the conversation and pursue the value of serving families during their time of greatest need. 

The best opportunity comes from funeral homes that have spent all year guiding and helping families through their pain and grief.