I was taught to confront things you can't avoid. Death is one of those things. To live in a society where you're trying not to look at it is stupid because looking at death throws us back into life with more vigour and energy. The fact that flowers don't last for ever makes them beautiful.
In order to gain the respect of your players in the locker room you can't just perform on Saturday. You have to do it consistently during practices meetings and in the weight room.