Expressing myself publicly is not something I am used to doing.  However, I have to share some memorable events that have touched me deeply this past year.

As life will have it, I’ve lost both of my parents, many relatives and friends (as most of us have), and time seems to make memories sweeter and our losses a bit easier to handle.  In October, another loved one in my family, John Damelio, passed away.  It was a sudden, devastating, gut-wrenching event. I know many of you can relate to the sadness and numbness we felt.   We turned to the Handler Funeral Home for the services we needed.  Nick and his phenomenal staff handled details that made our wishes for the kind of funeral we wanted come true. They thought of things that slipped our minds, and took control when we needed them to firm up unexpected situations.   They were there for us.  And guess what?  They still are!   In December, we went to a  ‘Remembrance Tree’ lighting ceremony at city hall. Nick is very involved with this event and has a great relationship with Hospice.  All of the people, who Nick and his staff had cared for that year, were remembered in a beautiful outdoor ceremony. The sprinkles of rain this year (not snow) heightened everyone’s emotions.  It was very moving.

I intended to write to the Herald at that time. I wanted everyone to know how there really are people who go the extra mile for others.  Holidays crept up on me and busy lives turn into routines that just don’t permit the extra meaningful things that need to be done. I set my good intentions aside. I didn’t write.

Last Saturday night, May 3, we attended another event that Nick started many years ago. It was the  ‘They Will Not Be Forgotten’ ceremony. I’ve attended previous services in Tecumseh and this year it was held in Britton at the Grace United Methodist Church. It was so well done with music, candle lighting, names read aloud, and a beautiful power point with pictures of our loved ones.   It gave all of us a time to remember, grieve, and be thankful. It truly was a heart-warming evening.

I would like to thank Nick and his staff for making a tearful year, one that has been joyful, peaceful, and memorable.  You and your staff really mean it when you say “Before During and After the Need”.  Thank you for being professional, caring people.  My family treasures your services and, most of all, your friendships.

Kae Addy
Retired Teacher
Dundee