Exercises for Living a Meaningful Life

The idea of living life to the fullest or living a meaningful life can mean a lot of things to different people. One funeral director puts a strategy to practice each year as a way of helping him assess his life to make sure he’s living according to his values and therefore living a meaningful life. Victor Sweeney takes time at the end of each year to write his own obituary. He goes on to say this practice forces him to confront difficult questions like “What truly matters?”

This story opens up a broader conversation about how we all can accept this level of intention into our lives. This is a great example of an exercise in stepping back and evaluating your own journey. Other ideas include:

The Five-Year Funeral Exercise: In his Strategic Coaching course, life coach, Dan Sullivan suggests an assignment where you imagine your funeral five years from the present and think about what you hope and want people to say about you. You should leave this with clarity on what truly matters to you and the ability to set actionable goals to fulfill your intentions.

Gratitude Journaling: A simple daily or weekly reflection on what you were thankful for can help shift focus to the abundance in your life. A Harvard study found this act significantly improved overall happiness.

Annual Review: Similar to writing your own obituary at the end of each year, an annual review gives you the opportunity to look at success, accomplishments, challenges and areas for growth. Some people like the more structured approach in this example.

Simply put, life is finite and precious. Taking time to evaluate and look inward will always help you get closer to the type of life you want to live.

Wreaths Across America, an Annual Tradition at Toledo Memorial Park

2024 marks the 12th year of the Wreaths Across America event at Toledo Memorial Park (the Park). Supporting veterans and their families is a very important part of what we do at the Park each and every day and this event serves as a touching yearly reminder of the good that comes from this work.

Every December the Wreaths Across America program brings communities together to honor and remember the service and sacrifice of veterans. The simple placement of wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes serves as a beautiful visual. What started as an effort to use surplus wreaths in a meaningful way has turned into more than 3,700 locations across the United States making sure veteran graves receive a wreath and a moment of thoughtful reflection.

In 2023, the Park placed more than nine thousand wreaths on veteran graves helping the venue to become the number one Wreaths Across America location in the entire state of Ohio and putting the Park in the top ten nationwide. All of this goes to show the importance and strength of the northwest Ohio community.

The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen; honor those who serve; and to teach the next generation the value of freedom. Each year, it’s our hope that our event expresses this important message.

Help out by honoring a fallen hero by sponsoring a remembrance wreath, volunteering at the event or by attending with your family and loved ones. We hope to see you there.

Event details:

Date: Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024
Time: noon
Location: Toledo Memorial Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 20, 2024
Media Contact:
Sara Stacy on behalf of Image Focus: 
(313) 510-2775 or sarastacypr@gmail.com

 Toledo Memorial Park Hosts 12th Annual Wreaths Across America Event 

We honor the past through ceremony and education.  

Sylvania, OH—The annual Wreaths Across America program at Toledo Memorial Park (the Park) is set for Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at noon. The event marks the 12th annual presentation of wreaths at the Park.

The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen; honor those who serve; and to teach the next generation the value of freedom. “As a local venue for this important event we consider and value this mission the same way we value our own at the Park,” said Jeff Clegg, president and CEO of the Park.  “We work every day to honor the legacy of first responders and veterans and this event and celebration of those who have served is a great way to end each year at the Park.” 

Visitors on Dec. 14 will experience a touching ceremony with wreath placement immediately following. This special event remembers and honors veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes.

Last year, the Park placed more wreaths than any venue in Ohio. Please help us honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths, volunteering on Wreaths Day or inviting your family and friends to attend with you. Specific grave requests at the cemetery can be made by contacting the location coordinator, Mel Harbaugh, at 46elapid@gmail.com to help ensure wreath placement.

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Toledo Memorial Park
Established in 1922, Toledo Memorial Park is the area’s finest cemetery, with 380 beautiful acres of meadows, ponds, magnificent trees, flowering plants and sculptures all designed to celebrate the living beauty of nature. Our goal has been to create a peaceful retreat where generations can gather in beauty and tranquility to remember their loved ones. The non-sectarian, non-denominational, non-profit Park is solely owned by property owners who believe in family, choices and commitment. The Park includes a crematory, mausoleums, chapels, columbariums and burial sections accommodating both lawn level memorials and upright monuments and provides for all individual preferences including earth burial, mausoleum entombment, cremation and inurnment. For more information visit www.ToledoMemorialPark.com or call (419) 882-7151.

A New Twist on the Final Resting Place

As you may or may not know, cremation is on the rise. According to the Cremation Association of North America, the percentage of people choosing cremation has gone from 5% in 1970 to 60% in 2023. The demand just keeps increasing. A part of what comes with this is people needing to decide on final resting spots for those cremains.

Of course, there are traditional answers to every question. For instance, the team here at Toledo Memorial Park can easily help with setting up final resting for your loved one who has chosen cremation. Reach out for cremation information any time. But, like any topic, there are unusual alternatives out there.

This story from KVPR dives into the idea of the final frontier—space—as a final resting place. While this might seem a little wild, with the commercialization of space, the idea is now possible. For some people, this is no different than scattering ashes in special places around the globe for their loved ones.

Whether you’re looking for something more traditional for your loved one or you think they might appreciate a little adventure in the afterlife, there’s an option for everyone.

Learn more about scattering ashes from our previous blog on the topic.

Reflections Garden Pet Cemetery Offers a Permanent, Caring Resting Place for Pets

Choosing a final resting place for a beloved pet is an important decision. Considering a pet cemetery could be just what you need to honor the life and memories of your furry friends. Reflections Garden at Toledo Memorial Park is a beautiful example of a dedicated pet cemetery, designed specifically for those who wish to memorialize their pets in a serene and respectful setting. Here’s why opting for a pet cemetery like Reflections Garden can be a compassionate and lasting choice.

A Beautiful and Peaceful Space for Reflection

Reflections Garden provides a landscaped, tranquil space where you can visit and remember your pet. Nestled within the grounds of Toledo Memorial Park, this dedicated pet area features gentle pathways, flowers and benches. The peaceful setting offers a comforting space allowing you to feel close to your pet even after they’ve passed.

Professional Memorial Services

At Reflections Garden, pet owners have access to services that help make the process respectful and caring. With options for burial and personalized memorials, such as engraved plaques or stones, pet owners can create a tribute that reflects their pet’s personality and the joy they brought to their lives. This level of service adds a layer of dignity that brings peace during a difficult time.

A Lasting Legacy in a Permanent Location

Unlike at-home burials, a pet cemetery provides a permanent resting place, ensuring that the memorial can be visited for generations. This is especially meaningful for families who may move residences; having a dedicated space at Reflections Garden offers the assurance that their pet's memorial remains cared for and part of a community-oriented cemetery.

Community and Connection

Reflections Garden is a shared space where you will find comfort in knowing others have made similar choices. This sense of community fosters connection, as those grieving find solace in being among others who understand the unique bond between pets and owners.

If you are seeking a dignified, serene and supportive environment to honor a beloved pet, Reflections Garden at Toledo Memorial Park offers a timeless and comforting option. Contact us today.

From Grief to Grace: Finding help and hope through the paws of a therapy animal

Teddy at the Park office.

We’ve spent the past couple of months introducing everyone to our newest team member at the Park office. Teddy is an adorable golden doodle working toward an important job. He is currently going through obedience and service training. Once he’s ready, Teddy will be at the Park office and will be more than happy to provide support and love to anyone in need.

Animals can make a big impact when it comes to grief support. The comfort and feeling of companionship from an animal, even if it’s not your own pet, can do wonders for a person suffering a lost loved one. The simple silent companionship and comfort of an animal can often help people break through difficult emotional walls.

According to Husson University, therapy dogs reduce stress, help with anxiety and even assist in building social connections. They go on to say animal-assisted therapy helps with mental and physical health as well as skills assistance such as language and social skills. MDPI, an academic publisher, even takes it a step further saying that the simple act of petting a dog or cat can facilitate the release of hormones like oxytocin which is more commonly known as the “happy hormones.”

Teddy is not alone in his important work as a service animal. Bear, a black lab who works part-time at a funeral home does this exact type of work. He is available at the funeral home by request, in addition to doing other valuable animal service work in his community.

Once Teddy is a fully certified service dog, he will be able to provide support to people at hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers and, of course, the Park.

Growth in the Market: Continued Expansion of End-of-Life Options

It’s been nearly a year since we last talked about human composting and where the new end-of-life option is legal in the United States. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), nearly 70 percent of people surveyed are interested in exploring greener funeral options. This is from the 2024 Consumer Awareness and Preferences Report. This continual increase in people interested in more sustainable options is important, so we will continue to revisit this topic as it becomes a more mainstream option that is available broadly.

As a quick refresher, environmentally sustainable deathcare is called Natural Organic Reduction (NOR). It is a process where the human body is encapsulated with alfalfa, straw and sawdust, and in approximately ten weeks, soil is created. Last time we discussed the topic it was legal in six states and now, about a year later, it’s legal in 12 states.

Anything new in any market takes time to gain hold. Even in states where NOR is legal, it might be a few years before that’s ready for the public. For instance, in California, the law was passed in 2022, but won’t take effect until 2027. It will also take time for providers to set up the logistics and equipment needed to make the process a reality for the masses.

In the meantime, we can be happy to see growth and evolution in our field. Your friends at Toledo Memorial Park are always ready to answer any questions you may have. Reach out today about the services we provide and helpful pre-planning options.

Cost Transparency and Why it Matters to You

The loss of a loved one is difficult. Full stop. It’s just a fact. Adding the costs associated with end-of-life services is an added layer of stress. Cost transparency is essential to helping people make reasonable and informed decisions during an otherwise emotionally heated period in life.

Unfortunately, there are many stories out there about all the things funeral service providers didn’t disclose or needs and options that weren’t shared up front. One grieving family member shares examples such as not being told she would need to pay extra for a vessel for her loved one’s ashes. Luckily, there has been a movement toward more openness in this area.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a funeral rule that requires funeral and end-of-life service providers to offer itemized pricing through a General Price List (GPL). Under this rule, service providers must provide this information clearly whether a request is made in person or over the phone. A recent undercover FTC phone sweep revealed providers may need a refresher on these seven compliance principles from the Funeral Rule.

1. Respond accurately when people call with price questions.

2. Don’t highlight only package prices.

3. In addition to providing information over the phone, you may supplement that information by sending people price lists or point them to price information available online.

4. Don’t require callers to give their names, addresses, or phone numbers.

5. Don’t misrepresent state or local laws or make other deceptive statements.

6. After-hours price information must be accurate.

7. Consult FTC resources to help comply with the law.

Cost transparency is important for several, very simple reasons:

• It gives consumers the ability to make choices that fit their needs AND their budget.

• It removes the risk of paying for unnecessary extras.

• It builds trust between funeral and end-of-life service providers and families which can lead to long-term relationships.

Compliance with this important FTC rule is good for all involved parties. It’s good for the reputation and longevity of service provider businesses and helps families feel at ease knowing they’ve gotten everything they need for a fair price.

Toledo Memorial Park to Host September 11th Ceremony

MEDIA ALERT
Sept. 3, 2024

Media Contact:
Sara Stacy on behalf of Image Focus: 
(313) 510-2775 or sarastacypr@gmail.com

What: Join Toledo Memorial Park President and CEO Jeff Glegg, City of Sylvania Mayor Graig Stough and Chief Chris Nye of the Sylvania Township Fire Department as they lead a ceremony honoring first responders and the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Significance: News media and members of the community are invited to attend this ceremony. “Toledo Memorial Park makes an effort to honor veterans and first responders every day,” said Jeff Clegg, president and CEO of the Park. “The 911 First Responders Memorial at the Park serves as an auspicious location for this ceremony and is a constant and important reminder of first responders’ commitment and sacrifice each and every day.”

When: Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 9 a.m.

Where: Toledo Memorial Park at the 911 First Responders Memorial in the northeast corner of the Park.

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Toledo Memorial Park

Established in 1922, Toledo Memorial Park is the area’s finest cemetery, with 380 beautiful acres of meadows, ponds, magnificent trees, flowering plants and sculptures all designed to celebrate the living beauty of nature. Our goal has been to create a peaceful retreat where generations can gather in beauty and tranquility to remember their loved ones. The non-sectarian, non-denominational, non-profit Park is solely owned by property owners who believe in family, choices and commitment. The Park includes a crematory, mausoleums, chapels, columbariums and burial sections accommodating both lawn level memorials and upright monuments and provides for all individual preferences including earth burial, mausoleum entombment, cremation and inurnment. For more information visit www.ToledoMemorialPark.com or call (419) 882-7151.

Rethinking Death: How Society’s Approach to Grief and Loss are Evolving

Change is good and healthy. Discussions about death are difficult, that part will never change. But the way we talk about it and embracing an openness on the subject can do wonders for how we process loss and move forward.

Emerging Trends:

Open dialogue:
Having an open line of communication about the loss of a loved one is healthy for everyone involved. Discuss the good, the bad and the sad. Long-time hospice chaplain, Meredith Wilson Parfet, says people are “more spiritual but less religious” nowadays. She goes on to say that perhaps the conversation isn’t happening more, but is happening in different places, such as social media, making the topic more accessible on a broad scale.

A Willingness to Preplan:
As people become more open to discussing end of life and loss, there is an equal openness to discussing plans, wants and needs for funeral and burial services. Preplanning funeral arrangements is a topic we talk about often on the Park Blog. There are so many benefits for you and for your family.

Other trends according to the article “5 Evolving Trends on End-of-Life Matters” include an importance placed on funerals by younger generations, increased comfort with the idea of death and communication about preferences for funeral arrangements.

Your friends at Toledo Memorial Park are always available and ready to help and answer questions. Feel free to contact us any time.