O' Chammy Boy

By: Rob Ferguson

After twenty-seven years of practicing my profession, on Friday, December 9, 2005, I finally assumed the true sense of being a funeral director. Nothing throughout my career impacted me more emotionally and or spiritually than the unexpected passing of my beloved pet Golden Retriever, Chammy.

Your first thought may be, that being 'in the business' for that long would surely dictate many a similar situation trying and hard. However, unfortunate as it may be, only my grandmother, my best pal, who died over 18 years ago even brought but a sense of grief riddance.

As I pen this epigraph, it has been two days and true reality has set in as I dug the earth to bury him this afternoon. His life was that of a statesman and teacher. For several years in his early life he was a loner, setting up shop, as his presence at my home became his dominance. Later, as additional pals were introduced for him, including his daughter, his stature transformed into that of a leader and mentor for my other two Goldens.

It was as if Chammy's life progressed from infancy through childhood and into his senior days before my eyes. I personally observed this experience, this metamorphosis as it unfolded over the past twelve years until the sad ending came on my garage floor, his home that night.

The two ensuing days that followed were virgin territory for me, times of emotion that for nearly three decades I've aided in but never felt. As for my healing and closure, the situation was eerie as our Funeral Firm held a community holiday candle lighting service
earlier today. Once the program commenced it immediately to me became Chammy's funeral. Loss was stressed and expressed throughout the message and as a mourner, I was administered to. His teachings to me were that of life, love, and death. Eternal memories he granted to me!

My daily work lends itself to slipping into a state of mind, which at times blocks out the word grief and all that come with it. So overwhelming it can become to a point it must be boxed up and set aside. The gross characteristics of death are many times assumed. Ever been asked if you've witnessed anyone's death? The answer with me is no. We in the funeral profession occasionally slip and utter a condolence to our families served, 'I know how you are feeling!' but until we do, the absolute feeling of bereavement is absent.

Rob Ferguson is a Pennsylvania licensed funeral director. He can be reached at fergfh@verizon.net.