When Cindy and Faith met in their 60s, they never thought their time together would have such a bittersweet end. Faith was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and as the reality of her condition set in, she began to think deeply about what she wanted for her final resting place. Knowing she wanted to be cremated, Faith sought a meaningful way to honor her life and legacy.
Finding a Better Place
One afternoon, while Cindy was at work, Faith called her, voice brimming with excitement. “I found something that I think is going to be wonderful—Better Place Forests” she said. Intrigued, Cindy agreed to check it out when she got home. That evening, they contacted Better Place Forests and talked with a Guide. Together they narrowed in on their preferred location—Lake Arrowhead Memorial Forest, California—and explored Memorial Tree options online.
They were impressed that they could easily look through sections of the forest, pictures of trees and read tree descriptions. They were both drawn to a remarkable incense cedar. A pillar of beauty, the tree stood tall, surrounded by a few other trees that formed a circle. “That’s the circle of life,” Faith exclaimed. “That’s where I want to be!”
“That’s the circle of life. That’s where I want to be!” -Faith, Lake Arrowhead Memorial Forest, California
Breaking with Tradition
Traditional cemeteries felt lifeless and uninviting to Faith. She had never visited her parents’ graves because she found cemeteries unpleasant. Cindy shared this sentiment, stating, “I’d rather visit a tree than a coffin. I’d rather go to a forest than a cemetery.”
The idea of becoming part of the tree, and the forest, deeply touched both Cindy and Faith. It gave them comfort and a sense of continuity. The vibrant, living forest, full of bird songs and wildlife, was a peaceful environment that felt perfect for Faith’s final resting place.
“I’d rather visit a tree than a coffin. I’d rather go to a forest than a cemetery.” -Cindy, Lake Arrowhead Memorial Forest, California
Additional Ashes for People and Pets
Since Faith and Cindy met later in life, Cindy had already planned and paid for her end-of-life arrangements, intending to be cremated and laid to rest with her family in Hawaii. Faith wanted part of her ashes with Cindy in Hawaii. But what about the rest? When Faith learned that she could have her beloved seven animals with her at her Better Place Forests, the choice was clear.
Faith had volunteered part-time at a rescue, and the idea that her pets could join her at Memorial Tree made the decision even more special. “It was wonderful that they could all be together,” shared Cindy. “And I will be added with our horse when I pass,” noting the change to her own end-of-life plans. “It was absolutely perfect.”
With everything falling into place, they chose the special tree that spoke to them. It was perfect for Faith—an embodiment of nature and life, far removed from the cold, somber atmosphere of a traditional cemetery
“She loved that she could have her seven animals with her. It was wonderful that they could all be together. And I will be added with our horse when I pass. It was absolutely perfect.” -Cindy, Lake Arrowhead Memorial Forest, California
A Beautiful Farewell
On Faith’s birthday, they spread her ashes under their chosen tree. Their pastor delivered a heartfelt eulogy, surrounded by about 15 close friends and family members. It was a serene and touching moment, filled with love and remembrance.
Cindy now visits the tree twice a year, bringing along her dog Willow to sit and play music. It’s their special place to remember Faith and celebrate her life amidst the beauty of nature.
Leaving Her Mark
Faith’s memorial marker bears a quote from their wedding, a passage from Corinthians—“Love is patient, love is kind, it always protects & trusts, it always hopes & perseveres, love never fails.”
On the other side of the tree, another marker carries the names of Cindy, Faith, and all their pets, symbolizing their eternal bond.
The Power of Love & Nature
Cindy and Faith’s story is a beautiful testament to the power of love and nature. Faith found peace and comfort in the idea of becoming one with a Memorial Tree, surrounded by the animals she loved and the person who meant the world to her.
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