BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A local cemetery sent what they are calling a ‘love letter’ to their employees as a reminder of how important having a job is.
Elver Guardado, General Manager of Greenlawn Cemetery, says that along with ,President Jim La Mar, of the company they both agreed to hand the love letter out to employees on Monday.
They say they viewed it as a learning opportunity.
“I did read the letter and when I read it, I thought it was very powerful and it hit home because of my responsibilities,” said Guardado.
The letter reads in part, ‘you say you love me sometimes, but mostly you don’t show it. Now you seem to take me for granted. Hear this loud and clear. I am responsible for the food on your table. The clothes you wear. The car you drive and the home you live in.’
“I did speak to a few employees after the fact and explained to them why we did it and some thought it was a good idea and some didn’t,” Guardado said.“And I did have to explain to some departments about where it came from and why we thought it was a good idea.”
The letter closing says, ‘and maybe when I am gone you will appreciate me and all the things, I have done for you. Sincerely your job.’
Guardado says that the manager who shared the letter attended ICCFA the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association Conference. It was there at the conference where a professor shared the letter with attendees as a learning tool.
“She [ the manager] has been in this industry for over 35 years and she appreciates her job,” Guardado said. “And she thought she share it with the younger generation and to see how they felt.”
Guardado says that the manager annually attends this conference and always brings back tangible tools, ideas, and different approaches for the company.
“If any employee has any concerns, they can absolutely call that phone number that they have access to and the hotline to share all of their concerns,” Guardado said.
23 ABC received the letter anonymously and was told that some of the employees that received them did take offense to it.
“I am not sure the context of the person who received the letter, but I am very sorry that if it rubbed them the wrong way,” Guardado said. “Like I said it's just about the presentation of the letter and how it's received.” To read the full letter scroll below.
