58 The Queens Courier • coping with death • MARCH 6, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com coping with death s TRAGEDY TOUCHES US ALL BY ED HORN St. Michael’s Cemetery Death has visited all of us. When it knocks at our doors as professionals we react normally, which means we respond like so many of the families we serve -- with a sense of loss and disruption. The pain of death is never less, for familiarity does not breed a callousness which dampens our pain. The families we serve have the right to expect and demand our professionalism and truthfulness. A family that purchases pre need will one day suffer a loss of a loved one and shall be shedding tears and relating stories they need to share of the person who shall never again enter their lives. Cemeteries and funeral homes are not immune to the repercussions of the realities every American confronts in a world seemingly with never ending conflicts. Devastation and the horrors clearly evidenced during the nightly news makes us recoil in the same shock and disbelief felt across the nation. These horrors make our professionals ever more attentive to the concerns and insecurities that result. Our profession responds through honesty, dedication and devotion to the families who depend upon us at the worst moments of their lives. It would be disingenuous not to also accept that ours is a business that must be profitable to survive. In the absence of profit funeral homes would close and cemeteries would be abandoned to the community, forcing expenses and costs that properly are the obligation of others. Years ago, well before I joined St. Michael’s Cemetery and when my parents were alive, my father told me he had purchased 68 graves. For years my laughter echoed in his ears. It seemed a ridiculous purchase with a quantity that defied rationalization. Ten years after the “grand land purchase” my mother suddenly died. The wealth of tears ran as a river that seemed unable to end. For the first time standing in front of our mother’s grave we knew that Dad had given us our final resting place. For where Mom was we will assuredly follow. From that day onwards we held our father in respect and appreciation for providing for all of us. Dad was a man who insured foresight and planning for the needs of his family. PAPAVERO FUNERAL HOME Papavero Funeral Home has been serving the Maspeth community, from our family to your family, providing dedicated funeral service for over 5 generations. The Papavero Family understands the importance of selecting a funeral service that will serve as a memorable tribute to the life of a loved one. It is our promise to offer our advice, guidance and help through the arrangement process in selecting and planning the funeral service that best meets your family’s needs. Feel free to give us a call at (718) 651-3535 for more information on pre-planning and other options. PHOTOgraPHers WanTed! The Queens Courier is looking for a talented pair of eyes to join our team. experienced, knowledgeable Photographers should contact Toni Cimino at editorial@queenscourier.com Moving On NYC is Your Single Stop for Life’s Transitions & Real Estate Brokerage Moving On NYC is Your Single Stop for Life’s Transitions & Real Estate Brokerage. Providing Service You Can Trust! Can’t Live Alone? Need to Move? Your elderly friend or parent can no longer live alone or has passed suddenly. Moving your loved one and emptying their home is difficult and emotionally draining. You are busy, overwhelmed and have your own family. Welcome to the eldercare dilemma! Marilyn Karpoff has turned her lifetime respect for the elderly, into a service of Karpoff Affiliates/Moving On NYC. Lower East Side native, Marilyn Karpoff has been guiding senior citizens and their families, especially those with a limited support system, as they face transition decisions on eldercare, where to live and how to manage the move. In most cases, a family member, partner or guardian is left to the emotional task of emptying a home and is unsure of where to turn for help. That’s where Moving On NYC comes in, providing service you can trust. Moving On NYC works closely with family members to manage all of the details involved to empty the residence. “During my 30 years in real estate, I have managed the transitioning and relocation of hundreds of seniors. I treat them with the utmost dignity and respect.” said Ms. Karpoff, a certified speech pathologist and audiologist, as well as a licensed Real Estate Broker and President of Karpoff Affiliates, Inc. Marilyn guides families through the emotional minefield of a sudden loss. Not only did she help her 93 year old mother age in place, she just very recently dealt with the emotional impact of her passing away, so she fully understands what a person would go through during these transitions. Through Moving On NYC, she is providing a much needed service – the caring transition of the elderly and their families during their time of need. Marilyn Karpoff • 646.522.1637 mkarpoff@karpoffaffiliates.com www.Karpoffaffiliates/movingonnyc.com Licensed Real Estate Brokers. Moving On NYC is a service of Karpoff Affiliates, Inc ADVERTORIAL
QC03072014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above