A Tale of Two Funerals: The Throw Rug and the Tapestry

by Alan D. Wolfelt

Meet the Williams family. Grandma Williams has died, and her children call Night & Day Funeral Home to make arrangements. Courtesy of a Twilight-Zonesque space-time anomaly, the Williams family ends up concurrently planning and holding two funerals for Grandma—one arranged by funeral director Sam Standard and the other by funeral director Garrett Gatekeeper. How will the two funerals turn out? Will the Williams family even be able to tell the difference? Find out in this riveting—and revealing— Tale of Two Funerals ...

136 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2017

Reviews

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the urging of my husband, who has used this book as part of his mortuary science coursework, I read this book today. I, too, work in the administrative side of a funeral home. I feel that this book will affect both of us positively in how we do our jobs. Reading and comparing the two styles of funeral direction, reminded me that our families are not just customers. Each family has a specific set of needs and while tradition can be a comfort to some people, others need a little bit more. Wonderful, useful book!

[Ronnie k · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for my funeral directing class, but wow did I enjoy it. Such a unique concept and it really showed how small differences in funeral arrangements can make a huge impact on the immediate family and community when someone dies.

[Sarah Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may be geared for those who help other plan funerals, but it can also guide those considering future plans for their own family. Celebrating a life offers family and friends an opportunity to gather, remember and grieve. Too many people either avoid this or gloss over it. As a culture we shouldn't lose the ritual because it's uncomfortable. Death comes for everyone. Let's honor those we love.

[James Schuchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

My brother in law had this sitting around because he's becoming a funeral director. I picked it up and finished it in a few hours and was surprised. It gave me a lot to think about and changed how I feel about the different aspects of a funeral.

[Whisper119 · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story is unreasonable, the author clearly wrote the story to better suit his agenda rather what would actual happen in a real life situation.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to get a sense of how the proceedings and interactions with the grieving families can affect the grieving process. Whether it helps or damages the individuals.