While you may not be able to attend funeral services in person right now, a new complimentary program called “From Our Hearts to Yours” offers people a way to show their support with heartfelt messages attached to balloons at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.
Those prevented from attending a service can visit Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory’s website here to leave a personal message, which will then be handwritten and attached to a white balloon that will float in the chapel.
Glenn Taylor, Jr. of Glenn Family Services, said the program allows there to be at least some semblance of a physical presence.
“Now it is a balloon with a card on it, but it represents those people that wish they could be there to support their friends or family in this time of need,” he said. “Instead of walking into a chapel that is empty that would normally be filled by people there to support them, there’s at least a reminder that people are out there thinking of them.”
The program originated from Milner & Orr Funeral Home & Cremation Services as funeral homes began sharing ideas on how they can show support to the community. They encouraged everyone to participate, and Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory quickly jumped on board.
“When we saw it we just ran with it,” Taylor said. “This is such a great opportunity for families that are limited to the amount of people they can have at their services, but families that are used to having the support of their friends and other family members during a difficult time.”
In just two days, Taylor said they’ve already received more than 20 messages to pass along.
“I think that it shows that our community really wants to support their friends and family in their time of grieving,” of people already participating. “This has given them a great way to do that.”
For now the plan is to just offer the program while limitations are being placed on public gatherings due to COVID-19, but it could be something they keep offering.
“As we look forward,” Taylor said, “we think this could be a service that we could offer indefinitely.”
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