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!
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
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
Sign Up Today For 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