It has just been two weeks when my grandmother died and I must admit that the entire family still has not fully recovered. We still miss Lola Linda and I don't think we'll be used to the emptiness anytime soon. How can we manage to do that when we're just three days away from Christmas and Lola will no longer be there to laugh and cook? Truly, the pain of losing her -- no matter how peaceful she may be now -- is difficult to accept.
As I deal with the sadness of missing her, I suddenly thought about how we managed to carry out an organized and graceful burial for her. Our family members barely have any experience in arranging funerals and though the death was somewhat expected, we were still generally unprepared. Then I realized that it was through the help of our chosen funeral service provider, Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory, that we successfully completed the wake and interment that my grandmother deserved.
The staff of Arlington are truly decent and respectful, and they provide remarkably sincere services. I'll never forget how careful they were in handling my Lola's body. They treated her not as a lifeless corpse, but as a living person that is worthy of care and respect. I have seen other funeral service companies before and I know how they treat cadavers. However, the way Arlington handled the dead body of my grandma was different. They gently covered her in a clean white blanket and carried her to a stretcher towards their neat and presentable van.
The men that Arlington sent were wearing their uniforms properly and even bothered to wear gloves to ensure cleanliness and safety. More importantly, they uttered their genuine condolences before driving off.
Arlington also did an excellent job in preparing my Lola for her wake. Her makeup was appropriate and she was dressed beautifully. They listened to all our instructions as to how we want Lola to look like and they adhered to what we instructed to the best they can. When we arrived at the assigned chapel, everything was all set up and the room was clean and presentable enough.
The superb assistance of Arlington did not end there. A minor technical issue occurred as the air conditioning unit malfunctioned. They addressed the concern right away by sending electric fans and by opening the windows; however, when they realized that the air-con will not be fixed on time, they advised us to transfer to another unit where everyone will be more comfortable. What's surprising about it was that they allowed us to transfer to a bigger chapel with more facilities and amenities without making any additional charges.
For the eight days that we stayed at Arlington, I can truly say that we had a convenient experience. They quickly and politely respond to requests and inquiries, and they provided everything that we need. Above all, the Arlington personnel have a remarkable initiative that is heartwarming for a family who had just lost a member. They offer all assistance that they deem necessary and they execute them all efficiently.
Truly, Arlington made it easy for all of us. They were behind our backs from the beginning of the wake until the end of the interment.
Every night, as we pray for Lola Linda using the prayer leaflets Arlington prepared, I remember their goodness and their sincere services.
And I know for a fact that Lola is looking down from heaven, smiling and thanking Arlington for all the things they have done for her final days.
PHOTO SOURCE: http://wikimapia.org/4175191/Arlington-Memorial-Chapels-Crematory
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