Life is Random

This section is dedicated to the "Death-Care Professionals" of the community—those already licensed, those currently in the "prep room," and the students working toward the threshold.

🏛️ The Path to Licensure

Becoming a funeral professional is a marathon, not a sprint. We’ve archived the essential steps to help you navigate the journey:

The Academic Phase: Choosing the right mortuary science program (ABFSE accreditation guide).

The Board Exams (NBE): Resources for studying for the Arts and Sciences exams without losing your mind.

The Apprenticeship: How to find a mentor, what to ask during your first interview at a firm, and the "unspoken rules" of the first six months.

Licensure by State: A growing directory of state-specific requirements (US/International).

🛠️ Industry Tools & Reviews

We test the gear so you don't have to waste your apprentice wages.

Restorative Art Kits: Deep dives into waxes, cosmetics, and feature-setting tools.

Software for the Modern Firm: Comparing case management systems (from cloud-based apps to traditional legacy software).

The "Funeral Director's Uniform": * The Shoe Guide: Our community-voted list of the best footwear for standing 12 hours on marble floors.

The Suit Guide: Durable, professional fabrics that hold up in the prep room and the chapel.

🧠 The Mental Toll & Longevity

This industry has a high burnout rate. We believe in "sustaining the server."

Compassion Fatigue: How to tell when you've reached your limit and how to recharge.

The "Off-Call" Life: Strategies for maintaining a personal life while tied to a pager.

Peer Support: Connect with other "Across the River" pros who understand the unique dark humor and heavy heart of this work.

“Dyke rage is blessed”

Text of the letter:

We get old and get used to each other. We think alike. We read each others minds. We know what the other wants without asking. Sometimes we irritate each other a little bit. Maybe sometimes take each other for granted.

But once in awhile, like today, I meditate on it and realize how lucky I am to share my life with the greatest woman I ever met. You still fascinate and inspire me. You influence me for the better. You’re the object of my desire, the #1 Earthly reason for my existence. I love you very much.

Happy Birthday Princess.

John

A heartfelt birthday message from Johnny Cash to his beloved wife June has been voted the greatest love letter of all time.

The simple, but plainly expressed missive in which the singer dubbed the Man in Black writes ‘you’re the object of my desire, the #1 Earthly reason for my existence,’ has topped a list of passionate penmanship.

(Fact Source)