Family Values
When Yesenia’s father Jose passed away, the Lombera family was faced with a challenge that no one prepares for—choosing a final resting place that would honor his memory and resonate with their values. A family of immigrants who had built their lives around the majestic redwood trees of California, they sought a meaningful way to honor their beloved patriarch and maintain a connection that would transcend generations.
“My father had never expressed any wishes, leaving it to us to make these choices without his guidance, so it’s something we all had to agree on. It’s a beautiful way to honor him.” – Yesenia L., Santa Cruz Memorial Forest, California
Modern-Minded
Traditional burial options felt restrictive and impersonal, especially for a family as diverse and close-knit as the Lomberas. They desired a place where both immediate and extended family could gather—a space that honored their loved one while celebrating life. They yearned for a solution that would allow them to keep family close, even in spirit, while being mindful of surroundings.
“Cremation isn’t practiced in our family very often, but my siblings and I are more modern and mindful of our planet. My mom wanted a place that we could all gather. She didn’t want an urn in someone’s home.” -Yesenia L., Santa Cruz Memorial Forest, California
A Multi-Generational Solution
Searching for a modern solution, Yesenia discovered Better Place Forests and was struck by its unique approach to memorializing loved ones. Offering a multi-generational approach, it provided the Lombera Family with the opportunity to spread Jose’s ashes and future generations beneath a dedicated Memorial Tree. For the family (both immediate and extended), it was a revelation—a chance to blend tradition with modern values in a way that felt just right.
“It’s a beautiful way to honor Papa and those who have passed. Future generations can be placed here too. Even if my grandchildren didn’t meet their great great grandfather, they can be together. It will always be a place of importance.” -Yesenia L., Santa Cruz Memorial Forest, California
A Symbol of Love and Family
Choosing their Memorial Tree was not just a task but an experience. In fact, it turned into a memorable family trip, where generations gathered—from Yesenia’s grandmother to the great-great-grandchildren. The forest was alive with laughter and energy, a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere often associated with cemeteries. “Instead of being somber, and asking the children ‘Don’t run around!,’ recalls Yesenia. “I said, ‘It’s okay for you to hike around, it’s okay for you to look at the trees. We are here to pick out Papa’s tree!’ and they were just ecstatic about that.”
They knew from the get-go they wanted a redwood tree, a symbol deeply rooted in the family’s history. Both of Yesenia’s parents, immigrants from Mexico, began their life together in Redwood City, and the tree has always been a symbol of their enduring love and the growth of our family.
“Some people can think ‘wow that is a lot to spend’ but you want not only the tree to be taken care of, but the entire forest for generations to enjoy. And when you think about the whole family being there, it really cuts down costs. That’s why we ended up with two trees—so our family has two trees next to each other.” -Yesenia L., Santa Cruz Memorial Forest, California
A Memorable Tribute
The Forest Memorial was an incredibly thoughtful experience. Everyone including adults and children was able to participate mixing ashes with soil and wildflowers and then watering the tree. “When I would go to a traditional memorial in a cemetery while growing up,” shares Yesenia, “I was very scared, because everyone was crying and that isn’t the way I want family to remember our loved ones. Better Place Forests just made the whole experience very pleasant. Not only for the adults but for the children, as well.”
A Better Place
In choosing Better Place Forests, the family found a dedicated place where they are welcome to return to celebrate life and memories without fear. More than a resting place it’s a legacy for future generations—a place where family that’s never met can gather and feel connected.
“The more we go back to the forest, and the more we talk about my father, it isn’t a scary thing, it’s a part of life, recreation and everlasting love.” -Yesenia L., Santa Cruz Memorial Forest, California
