How being an Executor shaped Donna’s Approach to Death

Donna is no stranger to death: she’s been the executor for four family members. She talked with her siblings about their final resting place plans: for her sister, a cemetery plot in Forest Lawn. For her brother, ashes spread at sea in Long Beach. When she and her husband Steven started planning for their own resting place, they weren’t sure what they wanted to do. After learning about Better Place Forests they thought, “THIS is what we want”.

I’ve been an executor for four different members of my family. It is a big mess if you don’t have things planned in advance. We have one son and I didn’t want him to have to deal with a mess.” – Donna, Lake Arrowhead Memorial Forest, California

Forming Forest Memories

Donna and Steven originally chose their Memorial Tree online. When they visited the Lake Arrowhead Memorial Forest in-person, they went on their 30th wedding anniversary. Walking the forest together, they felt at peace. As they laughed and talked, they reflected on their shared life. They realized with each visit to the forest, they are forming memories and a connection. Whoever is the surviving spouse will cherish the memories of their forest visits. Their son, family, and friends can walk the same trails today that they will reconnect with when Donna and Steven’s ashes are spread at their tree.

“We go to the forest every year for our anniversary. Some people think that’s morbid, but it’s not. To me this is about facing the future. Talking about it. Feeling comfort in knowing that it’s taken care of.” – Donna, Lake Arrowhead Memorial Forest, California

Living a Meaningful Life

“So many people are closed off and don’t talk about death” Donna reflected. “They think it’s morbid. For me, it’s the opposite.” By acknowledging the reality that she and Steven will one day die, Donna is inspired to live life to the fullest: it helps her forgive the small things and pushes her to do the big things.

“Acknowledging that we are all going to die helps me live my life in a more meaningful way. I do the things on my bucket list.” – Donna, Lake Arrowhead Memorial Forest, California