Wintery winds, multi-colored leaves, football games, turkey dinner and family gatherings frame America’s most favorite national holiday. Thanksgiving has been celebrated for centuries. Whether the holiday originated in 1621 in New England, 1565 in Florida or 1619 in Virginia doesn’t matter. We do know that Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the national holiday in 1863 – amazingly, in the middle of the Civil War.
Somehow, in the midst of joy or in the pits of despair, we can always find a reason to give thanks.
My work is a blessing as I consult with professional, caring funeral home owners and cemetery managers. Added joy comes from seeing their pride when touring their well-appointed facilities. Manicured yards, ever-present hospitality and special decorating touches are designed to welcome and set these businesses apart. Since I always give thanks for small blessings, imagine my joy to come across a most unique display at one Dayton-area funeral home. This display left a lasting impression and caused me to pause and reflect.
Gebhart-Schmidt-Parramore Funeral Home in Miamisburg, Ohio has a lovely, turn of the century facility that has been updated and kept in remarkable condition. Having undergone a few remodels, there are nooks, crannies and small spaces. One small space that gets a lot of traffic is their waiting area which doubles as a coat room and transition area between chapels and nearby restroom facilities. The staff and management have found a creative way to put the small space to great use. Proudly displayed on one wall is a “THANK YOU” board overflowing with notes from families, businesses, organizations and community leaders.
Heather Pion, manager, explained, “We receive many ‘thank you’ notes from families. It just seemed like a great idea to display the notes to share with our staff and our visitors. The ‘thank you’ board is visible to all who pass through this area. Interestingly, many people will stop and read the notes and not only be encouraged to share their own words of appreciation but additionally be given peace of mind that they will be well cared for by us. These sentiments also encourage our staff to provide the best service possible knowing that their efforts are recognized and appreciated. It’s a win, win.”
Thanking others has a healing effect on us. We know when we have been well-served. When that service is more than we expect, it deserves to be recognized. Offering thanks provides multiple benefits to giver and receiver such as:
• Employees feel valued and know that they are directly responsible for a visitor’s perception and reception.
• Owners/mangers can be proud of doing a job well and having hired excellent staff.
• Visitors know that others in their community respect, trust and appreciate the service provided by this business.
• Families recognize that the business owners are genuinely interested in their needs and appreciate their feedback.
• Those being thanked are more likely to encourage others and perpetuate the positive behavior. When we feel valued, we think to value others more, too. It’s blessedly contagious.
• We all love a personal touch and a note is tangible evidence of our influence.
• Advertising quotes from the notes can be a valuable testimony to the excellent service the business provides.
• Consider setting aside a visible area to display “thank you” notes.
Don’t let Thanksgiving be a once-a-year event. Make it part of your décor. Just as you thank families and those in the community for allowing you to serve their needs, allow others to know that their thanks has been acknowledged. Post notes from families, from organizations, and from support groups hosted on site.
And let me add my thanks to you, dear reader. Thank you to the many industry people who have welcomed me, invited me to share my decorating ideas and have allowed me to highlight special spaces in their facilities. Wishing you a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!