I was an easy sell, being offered a conversation with a Funeral Director. I'm unsure if it's morbid that I am so interested in the death process, or if it's part of the healing grief  journey, but Timothy Schramm was exactly who I needed to talk to.

Tim has been with Howe-Peterson Funeral Homes and Cremation Services for 38 years, and that funeral home has existed since 1873; there's a LONG history being part of the dying process. The family basically passed the funeral home onto Tim, knowing that it was in the best possible hands. He has a degree in Mortuary Science, and has been on the Green Burial Council for about 20 years, as well as being the Spokesperson for the national Association of Funeral Directors. 

I talked to Melissa Meadows in March 2025 about green burial, and that was eye opening to learn about green burial options. I also learned about NOR (natural organic reduction) in a workshop with Holly Berry. One of the things I think is great about this conversation with Tim is the option of shades of green burial offered... Like, if you want to be buried whole, but don't want to soil contaminating formaldehyde, there's an alcohol based embalming fluid available. Tim talks about other shades in the episode if you're curious about what other options there are...

A quote from Tim: "Show me a. society who does not care for their dead, I will see a society that will no longer exist." After this conversation, I'm having serious thoughts about a potential side gig/career shift.... Super grateful for Tim's generosity, sharing his knowledge with us.

I mentioned this at the end of the conversation, but I don't think it's morbid to think about the end - like making plans for after, not necessarily HOW life ends. To me, I think it would be a gift to not have to manage so many details while grieving. As Alua Arthur the Death Doula says, "Thank you for sharing one moment with me to think about the end of yours."

You can find all things Howe Peterson here: https://www.howepeterson.com/

They can be found on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1968171187870411&set=a.732040944816781

Tim mentioned a documentary called The Body Farm in TN, which is very interesting - here's the link: https://share.google/9zOxwdZ0FS3hC5wCJ

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