View from the Top
Life, Loss, and Leaving a Legacy Swan-Law Funeral Directors By Megan K. Olsen
There is an immediately disarming quality to Michael Hendren, right down to the colorful, patterned socks he wears with his more traditional business attire. Michael is the Market Manager of SwanLaw Funeral Directors at Dignity Memorial, and his relaxed smile and gentle disposition put you at ease the moment you meet him. He and those who work at Swan-Law exhibit the calming, compassionate presence needed for their clientele, who are either grieving the loss of a loved one or have decided to forge ahead and make preparations for their own funerals. Swan-Law has arranged excellent funeral services for the Colorado Springs area for over 106 years, but that is just a small part of what they do. “Yes, we’re a funeral home,” Michael acknowledges. “Yes, we’re a crematory. Yes, we have cemeteries, but Dignity Memorial is so much more than that.” They provide outreach to local veterans, work with Habitat for Humanity, and educate those working with Alzheimer’s and cancer associations as well as nursing students attending the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. They even provide Valentine’s Day cards for children in grade school, which are eventually distributed to people living in nursing homes and hospices. Most people have been to a funeral at one time or another, so they know what typically occurs during a service. However, many people have little knowledge about the preparation that goes into a funeral or any idea what to expect afterward. Michael strives to educate people about what should happen before, during, and after a funeral service so that people can better navigate the inevitable loss of a loved one. The idea of leaving a legacy for your family and friends is something that is strongly encouraged by Michael and his colleagues at Swan-Law. Making your own funeral arrangements is a great way to lessen the burden on the family you leave behind, and you don’t need to be elderly or have a terminal illness to get started. Dignity Memorial provides a Personal Planning Guide, which is a booklet designed to get a comprehensive profile of you—from your own perspective. It begins by asking for basic information, such as the names of your family members and your career history. It then delves deep into what is unique and interesting about you, encouraging you to write about your fondest childhood memories, things that make you smile, your proudest career accomplishments and achievements, and even your favorite songs and hobbies. Family members could try to answer these questions after your death, and maybe they’d have some good ideas…but wouldn’t it be easier on them to get those answers from you, while you’re still alive? Swan-Law’s ability to provide for the personal burial
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needs of each client is exceptional. Whatever the background and particular requests for the funeral service, including religious necessities, Swan-Law is always willing to accommodate. When the departed has no religious affiliation, Swan-Law can provide funeral celebrants. These non-clergy professionals prepare and deliver high-quality funeral ceremonies after spending time with family members and friends, getting a clear sense of who their loved one was. Swan-Law is also able to provide national transferability for those members who have moved away from the location where they originally made their arrangements. Before, during, and after the funeral services, Swan-Law offers bereavement travel assistance for family and friends, as well as a 24-hour compassion helpline. They also provide an aftercare planner, which is a “comprehensive estate management guide that has more than 70 pre-written letters to help finalize business and personal affairs.” The aftercare planner provides clients with clear instructions on how to avoid costly legal and professional fees. Michael and his associates at Swan-Law Funeral Directors understand the very delicate nature of the work they do, and they treat every client with the utmost respect and dignity. They provide thoughtful literature on the different circumstances of loss, written by noted authorities on grief and recovery, as well as DVDs on a variety of therapeutic techniques for coping with grief and strategies for moving forward in life. Their legacy booklets help people celebrate their lives through personal profiles and recalling joyful memories, and their individually planned funeral services provide family and friends with a place to celebrate the inimitable and joyous life of their loved one. People need guidance after losing a loved one, Michael notes, and the team at Swan-Law is pleased to provide it. “We have a very robust grief management program that helps folks navigate…from the very beginning to the end.” For further information about Swan-Law Funeral Directors’ services, you can call Michael at 719-471-9900 or contact him at michael.hendren@dignitymemorial.com. WE
Michael Hendren, Market Manager
