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Leave a comment“A Greater Yes – Finding Significance Amidst Tragedy”
Jennifer Silvera
Anyone who has lost a loved one whether through sickness or tragedy soon realizes there is nothing easy about grief and nothing simple about loss. There is little that motivates us, moves us or means much to us after experiencing severe devastation and disappointment from life. Yet, one of the best therapies towards healing is to “Do Something” – to find and follow the passion that remains inside of us no matter how small it may feel.
On October 22, 2009; Jennifer Silvera, widow of Lino Lakes Police Officer Shawn Silvera, will explain that A Greater Yes does not replace or justify the loss, instead it helps us choose how to fill our one precious life. In a community event hosted by Roberts Family Funeral Home, Jennifer will talk about A Greater Yes that is in store for the life that remains in us.
The event, held at the Roberts Family Funeral Home, is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:45pm, Jennifer will speak at 7pm. Following her talk, Jennifer will be available to sign copies of her book BELIEVE – A Young Widow’s Journey Through Brokenness and Back.
In September of 2005, Jennifer Silvera opened her front door to three uniformed police officers delivering a devastating message: her husband, Shawn had been killed in the line of duty. From this place of tragic loss, followed by unimaginable grace, love and ongoing restoration, Jennifer brings her message of encouragement.
Please bring a non perishable food item to benefit the local food shelf.
Leave a commentWreaths Across America
Roberts Family Funeral Home is one of over 700 family owned funeral homes in 45 states supporting the Wreaths Across America project. From now thru November 1st people throughout the Forest Lake area may honor and pay tribute to our nation’s veterans buried in either Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, or a local cemetery in the Forest Lake area. For only $15 you may sponsor a Christmas Wreath to adorn a veteran’s grave. Wreaths are placed by volunteers at over 300 cemeteries during ceremonies honoring our heroes on December 12th 2009. As part of their membership as exclusive Veterans & Family Memorial Care Providers, Roberts Family Funeral Home has been designated an official Wreath Sponsorship Outlet. If you wish to sponsor a wreath please visit, or call the funeral home at 651-464-4422
Wreaths Across America, a non profit 501-c3 organization, was formed as an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project. The Arlington Wreath program was started by Morrill Worcester in 1992 with the donation and laying of 5000 Christmas wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. This became an annual journey for Mr. Worcester.
It was relatively obscure until 2005 when a photo of the stones adorned with wreaths and covered in snow circulated around the internet. The project received national attention. Thousands of requests poured in from all over the country from people wanting to emulate the Arlington project at their National & State VA cemeteries which spurred the creation of Wreaths Across America. Unable to donate thousands of wreaths to each state, Mr. Worcester conceived the idea of sending 7 wreaths (one for each branch of the military as well as POW/MIA). In 2006 with the help of the CAP and other civic organizations, over 150 locations held wreath laying ceremonies simultaneously.
The Patriot Guard Riders volunteered as escort for the wreaths going to Arlington. This began the annual “Veterans Honor Parade” that travels the east coast in early December. By 2007 the requests for more wreaths grew. The Worcester family established the non-profit group Wreaths Across America to further promote Veterans remembrance. The mission Remember, Honor and Teach characterize the projects goals perfectly.
By 2008 over 300 locations held wreath laying ceremonies in every state, Puerto Rico and 24 over seas cemeteries. Over 100,000 wreaths were placed on veterans graves. Over 60,000 volunteers participated. WAA reached out to thousands of children with the message of Remember, Honor and Teach. The importance of honoring each and every veteran as an individual is stressed. The wreath laying is now held annually on the second Saturday of December. December 13, 2008 was unanimously voted by the U.S. Congress as “Wreaths Across America Day”. Wreaths Across America would not be successful without the help of the volunteers, many active organizations and the generosity of the trucking industry. By offering sponsorships to the public, Wreaths Across America hopes that one day every veteran’s resting place will be adorned with a wreath. We need your help to make this a reality. For more information on the program or to honor a veteran please visit or call Roberts Family Funeral at 651-464-4422
Growing Through Loss Series
The purpose of this series is to provide an opportunity for individuals to obtain information and support for a variety of loss and grief issues.
Place:
St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church
13060 Lake Blvd, Lindstrom, MN
Time: 7-9 PM
Registration: 6:45 – 7 PM
Lecture: 7-8 PM
Small groups: 8-9 PM
Schedule
Each session is complete in itself. You’re welcome to attend one or all.
Oct. 5–Sarah Mitzuk- “No, You’re not crazy, you’re grieving”
Oct 12– Jim Trudeau, former Forest Lake Police Chief, Washington County Sheriff- speaking on Law Enforcement & Notification of Loss
Oct. 19–Cathy Seehuettter and panel speaking on child loss
Oct. 26– Sandy Swenson and Gina Doyscher speaking on spouse loss
Nov. 2– Ed Holland “Where is God when it Hurts?”
Nov. 9– Linda Lehman “How to Get through the Holidays
For more information contact Directors:
Gloria Larsin 651-257-1047
Beth Lawrence 651-464-3395
Leave a commentThe Kennedy Homestead
In 1993, going thorough the attic of the old Forest Lake Floral before we it was razed making way for our new store, my Dad & I stumbled across an old chest that belonged to my Uncle. Among his belongs in the chest was old metal sign my Dad held up and said, ” I have story for you here.” My not so honest Uncle was visiting Ireland in the 70′s and found himself in Duganstown in Wexford County at the birthplace of JFK’s great grandfather who immigrated to the US in 1848. For this purpose I’ll call him “Dave” decided that the sign attached to the Home that read “The Kennedy Homestead” was better off with him. Fast forward a couple of years, I was in Boston, and visited the JFK Library where there is an area based on JFK’s Irish Heritage with artifacts and video footage of JFK when he was there in 1963. Watching the video of JFK at his great grandfathers birthplace and I saw quick glimpse of the sign that Dad & I pulled out of the chest a few years back. When I returned I called local resident Howard Lestrud, who belongs to an organization called KPIC- Kennedy Political Items Collectors. Howard took some photos of the sign and sent them to other collectors and confirmed, the sign I saw in the video, was the same one I had in my office. Politics aside, I have always admired the Kennedy Family for their commitment to public service, and have been amazed at the ups and downs they have been through over the years. With that, and their Irish heritage I have been intrigued to say the least.
For anyone who is has very little time left on earth, to plan a funeral to best remember & celebrate a life lived, and to create a healing experience for loved ones is remarkable. Ted Kennedy did that when the world said goodbye to him a few weeks back, the best part I thought was his funeral procession from Hyannis Port to the JFK library going through Boston landmarks significant to he and his family. Everthing planned just the way Teddy & his family wanted it.
Watching Ted’s funeral on TV, I thought about the sign. Should I donate it to the JFK Library, maybe bring to Ireland when visiting cousins and return to where it came from? Perhaps sending it to one of the Kennedy Cousins, or keeping it my family for generations to come? Time will tell, but currently it’s in a great place.
Leave a commentForest Lake Floral & Roberts Family Funeral Home to Giveaway Free Roses for Good Neighbor Day
Forest Lake Floral & Roberts Family Funeral Home will be giving away free Roses to area residents in honor of Good Neighbor Day. The roses will be distributed in bunches of six, under the condition that participants keep one for themselves and hand out the remaining five to neighbors, friends, family or co-workers. The giving and receiving of roses by community members has been popular event in the Forest Lake area for years. The rose pick up will take place at Roberts Family Funeral Home at 8am, located at 555 Centennial Dr. SW, across the street from the Forest Lake post office.
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