A Time of Leaves

“There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees - as if we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again.”

— Ruth Ahmed

As we settle into autumn, many neighborhood listservs are abuzz with strong opinions about all things leaf-related. Should we leave the leaves or rake the leaves? Play in the leaves or steer clear of the pile of hayfever? Do we bag the leaves for leaf collection or leave them piled in the gutter? And on and on. But, no matter where you fall on the leaf appreciation spectrum, it is safe to say that we all can recognize the importance of leaves as a life force in every season — in the salad days of spring through the flamboyance of fall and then throughout winter as they decompose to provide for new life come next spring. Quite simply, leaves are a daily reminder of the cycle of life and the power of ancestors to provide fertile soil for the next generation.

The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of fall foliage that burst out before the stillness of winter are reminiscent of a similar surge at the end of life. Hospice nurses and others who have the privilege of attending to human lives in their last days occasionally report how a dying person may experience a sudden rush of energy. Often referred to as the "end-of-life rally," witnesses describe individuals who were previously minimally responsive suddenly engaging in conversation, requesting food or drink, or even showing unexpected physical activity. This surge is fleeting, though, usually lasting for only minutes or hours before the individual returns to their previous state, and death often comes soon thereafter. The end-of-life rally can be a gift for families, offering the opportunity for one last conversation or personal connection with a loved one who was previously beyond reach. It is a transient flash in time, where meaning and connection leave their indelible mark in the memories of those who bore witness. Humans are not alone in experiencing this surge. In fact, many species of trees will spontaneously flower when seriously stressed — a last gasp serving as the seed for new life.

Every part of the cycle of life and death has its own cherished, and transient, space and time. This can include gravesites themselves, and we are exploring how grave renewal can be offered at Reflection Park. Grave renewal is the practice of reusing an existing burial plot for new interments after a lengthy resting period, usually many decades, maximizing land use sustainably. Because natural burial allows for the body to return to the earth, this practice creates future space for additional family members or others, allowing Reflection Park to serve our community for many generations to come.

Zoom registration is free but required.

Please register here to receive a link to join the program.

As loved ones come together this holiday season, it is an ideal time to engage in discussions about important life topics, including those that often go unspoken, such as end-of-life planning. Discussing end-of-life preferences can be challenging, but it is an essential part of ensuring that each family member's wishes are respected and understood.

Reflection Park is delighted to offer an interactive discussion with Dr. Shahid Aziz about the importance of engaging in end-of-life discussions. He will share his personal and professional experience as well as offer strategies for how to broach these difficult and necessary conversations knowing that informed decisions can bring peace of mind to both the individual and their loved ones.

This meeting will be recorded, but of course, we love being together, so join virtually if you can! The registration link (as well as links to recordings of past programs) can also be found on our website.

Progress Report

We have great news to share! In early October, Maryland’s Office of Cemetery Oversight approved Reflection Park for licensure! That means that we will be legally authorized to offer pre-need and at-need burial packages once the land is ready (see below for more on that). In the meantime, we are exploring whether and how we could begin to offer pre-need burial arrangements for cremains since those are less time-sensitive and do not require that the land be burial-ready now. Stay tuned for more information on this in the coming months.

With the contractor selected and all permits in hand, we have finally broken ground on Phase One Construction! The ‘progress report’ in our last newsletter details all the work that is scheduled to be completed in this phase, including the construction of a spine road that runs between the burial areas to be named Peace Gardens, Salam Gardens, and Shalom Gardens. Weather permitting, the contractor has provided a nine-month (approximate) timeline, which puts completion and the opening of Reflection Park in Summer 2025.

A Reflection Park Lagniappe:

We invite you to listen to and share this excellent talk: “The Art of Dying Before You Die” by Dr. Aditi Sethi, founder and executive director of The Center for Conscious Living and Dying, which speaks to so much of what we hope to offer at Reflection Park. 

Reflection Park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We are grateful for every dollar contributed in support of our mission to create a sacred place that celebrates the cycle of life, death, and renewal. More information can be found on our donation page.