Cemetery Sales
Dear Donna,
"A cemetery has called me to make funeral prearrangements. Why
would I make funeral plans with a cemetery? It doesn't make sense
to me. I am feeling pressured. I know it is just another
telemarketing call, but I worry about other folks who might easily
be intimidated." - John
Dear John,
"We have received many calls about this. If you own space in the
cemetery these callers represent, thry believe they have the right
to call you and try to sell you more. Death care is a very personal
decision. Certainly not a time for high-pressure. Thank you for
making us aware of this practice in our community. For 75 years
Hippensteel has been providing straight answers with no pressure,
and we plan to continue operating in this ethical, compassionate
manner." - Sincerely, Donna
Caring About Families
Dear Donna,
"I thought you might like this photo of a duck and her ducklings
crossing 9th Street in fron of Hippensteel. Afew weeks ago my dad
(who owns the Autotorium on N. 11th St.) called me over to see
these ducks that had paraded through his shop. I grabbed my camera
and followed them for a little while. I assume they were heading to
the Wabash, and I hope they made it there safely. Anyway, I hope
you enjoy the photo!" - Carey Briggs
Dear Carey,
"Thanks you so much! What a great picture! The staff enjoyed it
so much we had to share it with the readers!" - Donna
Greif Groups
Beginning
Dear Readers,
"Sniffles Place for Grieving Children, andTeens & Families
have regularly scheduled meeting times on Monday nights. Added to
that schedule (always posted on our website) is a Young
Widow/Widowers Grief Group to begin on Monday, July 18th at 6:30pm
and continue on the 3rd Monday of each month. Programs for children
0-6th grade are available.
Motherless Daughters, a grief group for women whose mothers have
died at any age from any cause, willmeet on the 4th Mondays of each
month 6:30pm. All grief groups meet at the Hippensteel Tribute
Centerand Sniffles Place, 2529 Schuyler Ave.,Lafayette.
Registration is appreciated.
Call Cheryl at 765-414-2070 or CyNDY at 765-491-5321. There is
never a cost for any indvidual or group session. At Hippensteel, we
understand that the funeral is just the beginning ofthe grief
journey."
Donna
Memorial
Contributions
Dear Donna,
"When the obituary says donations can be made to charity of
choice, do they really meat it? My friend, who did not like dogs,
died and my favorite charity is a animal shelter. Not sure what to
do." -Charlene
Dear Charlene,
"Yes, I am sure the families mean "you choose." As a friend, I
might choose to donate to something that was meaningful to both of
you. Remember, it is the attitude of the heart that really matters,
so gifts given in love always find a way to help!" -Donna
Funeral Procession
Question
Dear Donna ,
My Mother recently passed away. On the way to the cemetery, during
the procession, we had a couple of cars pass our procession ( four
lane highway). I was surprised, I thought people would be
respectful enough not to go whizzing by. W hat is the correct
protocol? I even saw one car
at a stop light go through the middle of the procession! -
Jeanette
Dear Jeanette,
This is a great question... there is a fine line between
protocol and respect when it comes to funeral processions on
multiple lane highways. It is allowable to pass on the left side of
the procession as long as passing the procession can be done in a
safe manner. Many times we see vehicles even on single lane roads
not pullover. Most people agree that pulling over is a sign of
respect for the deceased and the family. It is important that we
are courteous, honorable, and approach funeral processions
respectfully, always keeping safety in mind. Thank you for your
letter. - Donna
Grief Conference October
31st
Dear Readers,
Exploring and Expressing Grief, the fourth annual conference for
those experiencing
grief and bereavement professionals presented by St. Elizabeth
Hospice is Saturday, October 31st
at the Kathryn Weil Center for Education. What makes this day so
special is the combination of
attendees...those grieving and the professionals who have chosen
grief work for their life's work.
There will be discussion groups, a presentation on "Grief and the
Holidays," and an
opportunity to learn and express yourself through the "healing
arts" which will include writing,
music and collage art. This conference is open to all and can be
very rewarding and helpful to
those who are working their way through their own grief
journey.
Registration is required so reserve your seat now at 765-449-5133.
For more
information on this conference go to www.ste.org/grief. See you
there!
Misleading
Directions
Dear Donna,
I want to correct your directions to your Tribute Center. Schuyler
Ave. ends at I-65 near the SR 25 South sign. SR 25 now comes down
from Logansport, but turns south onto I-65, splitting northwest at
SR 38, to US 52, then West on Teal. INDOT rerouted SR 25 a few
years ago. - Jeff
Dear Jeff,
Wow! I certainly want information to be correct. We opened the
Tribute Center at the request of families in the community who
wanted a more relaxed gathering place where food could be served in
a location easily accessible to both Lafayette, West Lafayette and
I-65. Easy to understand directions, in colloquial language, using
familiar landmarks is working well. I have received many beautiful
letters from families who have found the Tribute Center to be warm,
welcoming and easy to find. 2529 Schuyler Ave. is what works, of
course, for Mapquest and GPS. Interesting letter. Thanks for
writing! - Donna
Life
Lessons
Dear Donna,
Please encourage everyone at any age to put their affairs in
order. My siblings and I are in our twenties and both parents died
suddenly.It is a nightmare trying to find things. Mortgage payments
are behind, insurance benefits are unclear, and there is no will in
place. There are full siblings, half siblings, and step siblings.
It is so much work and we are so angry about the mess they left. Of
course we love them and will miss them terribly, but there is no
excuse. - Frustrated
Dear Frustrated,
What a great lesson for parents to hear this from someone your
age! Along with the grief of losing your parents and now being
'orphans', the anger that accompanies the added stress of 'knowing
nothing' is very real. We always assume that we will live a long
time. Even if parents are reluctant to share the information, they
should make sure you know where to find it and what attorney they
use. EVERYONE should have a will. Thank you for reminding us of
this most important lesson. - Donna
A Very Personal
Tribute
Dear Donna,
This is really a thank you rather than a question. Recently my
son, Tim Forkeotes, passed away. My daughter, Anna, made all of the
arrangements. She chose Hippensteel, for which the family is
thankful. With suggestions and the insight of the Hippensteel
staff, they helped us arrange a funeral centered on our own
remembrance of Tim and his life. We focused on his life, not on his
death. Tim was very much a country person with a very active
interest in vegetable gardening. Instead of a floral spray on his
casket, Anna created a garden spray of vegetable plants right from
Tim's garden. Anna and Tim's fiancé made metal flowers from old
Budweiser cans Tim had saved. Both creations were original, natural
and artistic. The viewing, and the service itself, which took place
at the Tribute Center, were handled in a relaxed, but respectful
manner. Thank you to Hippensteel for helping to make the time
beautiful and memorable. - Sincerely Nel Hoon
Dear Nel,
It was an honor to serve your family. Most important, by honoring
Tim's life in a manner unique to him, you honored all life for the
gift it is. Every day I see the sweetness families bring to the
most difficult situations. Your letter will encourage others to do
it their way! Thank you for your kind words. We love what we do.
Blessings for your journey, - Donna
Trails of Hope
Camp
Dear Donna,
I've been to Trails of Hope Camp before but can't find the dates
for this year on the website. Is there a camp this year? I sure
hope so! I still miss my mom. - Mara
Dear Mara,
YES, THERE IS A CAMP THIS YEAR! October 3rd at Cary Camp in
Lafayette. The Camp website www.trailsofhopecamp.org lists the
dates under the "Calendar of Events." I'm so sorry you couldn't
find the information you needed. This year is an all day Saturday
camp! Camp is free and all children and teens, ages 7-17, are
welcome to register and attend. Volunteers are needed! Mark your
calendars for the 2010 Spring Camp on May 1st. Trails of Hope Camp
is a community camp and it is generously supported by many caring
businesses and individuals. For information please call
765-491-6119, 1-877-477-7302 or go to the website. Thanks, Mara,
for your question! See you at Camp! - Sincerely, Donna