Power
The power of the embalmer is subtle, understated, yet incredibly important...like the background pianist at a fancy pants dinner party. As we've said before, these are the very last moments anyone will get to spend with Grandma Jane or Uncle Ken. The embalmer, no matter whether they're only responsible for the embalming process itself or for the entire service, will build the imprint of the memory that the bereaved will carry with them from that moment on.
This includes the shape of their face, which at an open casket is ninety-five percent of your job. The embalmer must make sure that jaws stay in place, fractures are mended, indentations un-indented, and most importantly, the eyes are kept shut. You really don't want the lids to fly open halfway through service and scare the bajeezus out of everyone.
Your power also comes through the relationship you have with your clients. For better or worse, you have been chosen as the architect of these memorials. These people are in mourning, and they trust you to lead them down the end of the road. All of their hearts will be in your hands.