IS IT MEANT TO BE?

Thursday I had an interview at Forest Lawn in Glendale. Greg agreed to be one of my references. Who better than a minister/funeral director? Greg thought I should leave the minister part off. I think Greg needs to give himself a little more credit. His sermons are not only inspiring and thought provoking, but well delivered with an added touch of humor. Many others undoubtedly would agree with this assessment of GE.

Sometimes you wonder if something is really meant to be. This thought crossed my mind while driving up to the interview. Don’t care for the Los Angeles freeway system. Knew my way, or so I thought. Had to go up to Burbank during the summer and the Yahoo directions notwithstanding, DB advised me of a better route. Worked great and thought I remembered--instead of taking the I-5 off the 710, it was better to take I-10. Unfortunately, forgot I should have taken the I-10 headed toward Pasadena (not LA/Santa Monica). Didn’t take me too long to figure out my mistake and turned around. Stopped at a Shell station and was correct in going back to catch the CA-2. Yahoo told me to turn left on San Fernando Road off the CA-2, but the receptionist at Forest Lawn told me to turn right on San Fernando. Figured the receptionist knew best. She was correct, if I was coming from the opposite direction. At least I have enough smarts to stop and ask for directions before getting too far off course. I left 1-½ hours before my scheduled interview. Even with all the complications, made it with time to spare. Still had to ask the keeper at the gate for directions to the Human Resources office. Close but not quite. I was just glad to be there. Have tried to get a job with Forest Lawn for over three years, even while living in Oceanside, and never got to first base.

Filled out an application and took a typing test. Not as fast as my two-year-old typing certificate but think an 87.3 was most acceptable. The interview with Priscilla went quite well, and we seemed to develop a good rapport. Of course, I‘ve thought that about interviews in the past and know how those turned out. Priscilla explained the application process: HR interviews the mass of applicants; a candidate list is submitted to the facilities with the openings, who in turn will do their own interview; selection; background check; and drug test. It could take a week or two before hearing anything.

It was around 3:20 and I-5 was already congested. Kept in the middle lane where the I-5 South sign hung, so knew I would be safe. The curve turned with 60-Pomona on the left, I-5 S in the middle, and some other place to the right. Was behind a truck and didn’t realize that the 60 & I-5 both veered to the left until it was too late. Yes, I did it again. Took the next exit and went around the side streets and luckily found my way back to I-5 South. Although it took a little longer than anticipated, I made it home safe and sound. Hadn’t been home an hour when the phone rang. It was Maria from the Long Beach Forest Lawn facility. She wanted to interview me. Don’t like to toot my own horn, but must have made some kind of impression on Priscilla. My interview is Monday at 8:30.

The higher ups at work somewhat frown upon those who ask for time off. For Thursday’s absence, a few told me to play the food poisoning card, but I did not want to lie so my excuse--have to go out of town on personal business. Maybe considered in the gray area, but technically it was not a lie. Monday, I’m faced with the same scenario, but don’t have to take the entire day off. So my excuse this time--have an appointment first thing in the morning and will be there as soon as I can. What can they do? Fire me?

Most people cringe at the thought of working in a mortuary. I remember right out of high school applying for a clerical position that was posted in a newspaper advertisement. You had to send your letter of interest and resume to a PO Box. The job seemed interesting, but I had no clue where it was located and what type of business. Received a call and this position happened to be at French’s Mortuary. ……..Uh, no, this 17 year old did not relish the idea of working around dead people.

Funny how things change. Always wanted to have a job that was meaningful and especially after Carl’s death felt the funeral service industry would be a most appropriate place to find this fulfillment. Who better to work in this type of environment than a person who has experienced the loss of a significant other and can demonstrate sympathy, empathy, kindness, and compassion toward those who have suffered a bereavement?

Hopefully, my tooting is not all in vain.