Photo from pexels

Originally Posted On: To The Grieving: We’ve Got You | Green Hills Memorial Park

Everything has changed. Except for our commitment to your family.

We’ve heard it over and over this past year: these are unprecedented times.

The impact of the global pandemic reached numbers we never thought we’d see. But your loved one’s death is more than a data point among hundreds of thousands. Right now, it’s the only thing that matters.

Many California families are finding funeral homes and mortuaries overwhelmed by the current situation. Many have reached capacity and just can’t accommodate the requests they’re receiving. Grieving families must wait weeks to schedule a service–some are even being turned away by one facility after another.

At Green Hills, we understand the business we’re in. It’s complex enough during normal times. And it’s all the more challenging during this difficult season. Every step in the process–from being able to transport a loved one, to obtaining death certificates and scheduling a service–takes longer than it did a year ago. The entire community is strained.

The entire community is strained, but we also understand our mission: to put your family’s needs first. To be the trusted, compassionate partner you need during one of life’s most difficult moments. That’s why, despite the challenges, we’re working hard to continue serving families in need.

The wait time for memorial services is a little longer these days, but that doesn’t mean your grief must be put on hold. If it’s helpful for you, you might choose to begin honoring your loved one’s legacy while you wait. With additional planning, you can make the service even more meaningful when it does happen. You’ll be able to make thoughtful decisions and include those who’d like to take part in the process. You’ll have the time to focus on the spiritual and emotional aspects of this experience, rather than spending all of your energy dealing with the logistics.

For most of our company’s history, funeral services have taken place within five days of the passing. This usually means families must make decisions quickly while dealing with shock, sorrow and loss. We’ve heard many stories from people who wished they’d been able to touch base with distant friends and family and include details, memories, and stories that they only learned about after the service.

The timeframe in which we gather to remember and grieve a loved one has changed, but the reason for the gathering will never change. We here at Green Hills make it our mission to be the ones you can lean on as you prepare to honor the one you’ve lost.

That’s why we’d like to help you during this waiting period. This Page will provide suggestions for meaningful activities you and your family can participate in while you wait for the service to take place.

Author Jamie Anderson wrote: “Grief, I’ve learned, is just love. It’s all the love you want to give but cannot. All of that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”

We hope the suggested activities provide a place for your love to go.