Expressing appreciation

By Bill and Shirley Huntington and family Cleveland

Dear Editor,
I have noticed over the years people are quick to write letters when they are displeased or angry about something, but seldom take the time to express appreciation for the good things people do. It is time for me to step up.
Recently my husband’s favorite aunt passed away. Although her three children are grown with families of their own they were at a loss as to what to do. Her son called me from the hospital and said, “What do I do now.” I went over to the hospital and instructed the nurse to call Fausett Mortuary.
There the story begins. Over the next few days Steven and Michael Furner became not only our funeral directors but also friends in a time of great need. They saw to the smallest details, constantly changing and redoing plans, programs etc. as the family changed their minds again and again. Always with patience and compassion Steven and Michael would see that the changes were made.
Just to relate two of many incidents. The daughter wanted to do her mom’s hair. When we arrived at the mortuary she was very apprehensive about seeing her mom and going through with it. Steven with a loving compassionate arm around her shoulder gently lead her to her mother’s side constantly whispering words of comfort and encouragement. That time spent doing her mom’s hair (laughing and crying) is a treasured memory that will never be forgotten. When we finished her two brothers showed up one refusing to go near his mom. Again Steven stepped up with his gentle persuasion and lead him to his mom. Then again at the funeral, there was conflict between members of the family, again with that loving compassionate arm around their shoulders Steven whispered words of encouragement to each of them. It didn’t end there. They were there days after the funeral to help with all the things that need to be taken care of after a death. What a relief for the family since they didn’t know what all had to be done. We were not the only ones to lose a loved one that week. So while caring for our family they were also taking care of other families with the same love and compassion.
Now this same week I had another experience with the Furners. I am compassionate service leader in my ward at church and have the privilege of putting together luncheons for families after the funerals. Three days after our aunt’s funeral there was a large funeral in my ward. The Furner brothers also handled this funeral. As the service was going on they saw us putting up the tables etc., off came their jackets and they helped us with the set up. Then after their return from cemetery and finishing their duties, again off came their jackets and they helped with the cleanup. If this is not above and beyond I don’t know what you would call it.
For many years I have attended many funerals in many states for friends, relatives and personal family deaths, I have also had the opportunity to serve in compassionate service callings and although most funeral directors have been kind and respectful none have ever showed the level of sincere compassion these men have shown to our family and many others in our counties.
I would also like to commend their parents for a job well done in raising these two men. They have surely been taught by kind and loving parents.
How fortunate we are to have these two gentlemen, Steven at the Castle Dale Fausetts and Michael in Price to take care of our every need with love and genuine concern in our times of sorrow.
At this time of Thanksgiving, on behalf of the families in Emery and Carbon counties you have helped with countless hours of loving service in our behalf, we thank you, Steven and Michael and look forward to having you with us for many years to come.