Home among the redwoods
Michael loved sharing his passion for nature with others. A devoted husband and father, he regularly took his wife Jenny and their two daughters on hiking and camping trips. The whole family came to cherish time among the trees.
In his twenties, Michael was the caretaker of a redwood forest property in the Santa Cruz mountains. When his battle with cancer came to an end, Jenny knew the Santa Cruz mountains was a place where Michael would feel at home. A hospice professional suggested Better Place Forests Santa Cruz might be the perfect fit.
“The forest is alive, and Michael’s memory is alive.” -Jenny H., Michael’s wife, Santa Cruz Memorial Forest, California
Choosing a Forever Tree
Jenny began her search for the perfect tree from home. She spoke to a Guide on the phone, and explored available Memorial Trees online. She knew a redwood tree would be the perfect place for Michael’s next chapter. She visited Better Place Forests Santa Cruz in person to walk the trails and get a feel for the different sections of the forest. She fell in love with a redwood growing in a grove nestled into the hillside. There’s a sense of peace, yet a liveliness from the birdsong.
“This tree is an expression of life, and shows that Michael’s passing wasn’t an ending but a new beginning.” -Jenny H., Michael’s wife, Santa Cruz Memorial Forest, California
A new chapter of life continuing in the forest
Jenny describes Michael’s Forest Memorial Ceremony as a “beautiful, peaceful, calm, and loving experience.” She loved that everyone in her group could participate in integrating the ashes and soil, as well as adding wildflower seeds as a symbol of new life.
“For me it was community, it was family, and it was coming back to Mother Earth where we all came from.” Michael’s friends and family placed roses at the base of his tree, a symbol of their love. Jenny visits the forest regularly with her dogs and friends, connecting Michael’s memory to each walk in the woods. “For me, it’s the living that I feel here, and I’ve not felt that in a cemetery.” shares Jenny.
“For me, it’s the living that I feel here, and I’ve not felt that in a cemetery.” -Jenny H., Michael’s wife, Santa Cruz Memorial Forest, California
