Breaking with Tradition

Like many families, Mayuree and her husband Rick had been considering end-of-life arrangements for a long time, but were always left uninspired. Growing up in Thailand, Mayuree was accustomed to the tradition of cremation and ash scattering in the ocean. However, this practice didn’t allow for their children to visit them after they passed. And traditional American burials felt too unnatural. The couple wanted to break with tradition and find a solution that was meaningful to them.

“Choose what YOU want and not what others want for you.” -Mayuree T., Better Place Forests St Croix Valley, Minnesota

Finding A Better Place

Introduced to Better Place Forests by a close friend, Mayuree and Rick were intrigued. The idea of having a Memorial Tree in a serene, protected forest seemed like the perfect solution. 

Their visit to Better Place Forests St. Croix Valley in Minnesota exceeded their expectations. “We had talked about the planning for several years,” shares Mayuree, “But it simply wasn’t a positive experience—more like a transaction. Our St. Croix Valley Memorial Forest experience was nothing like this at all. The forest is so beautiful and the scenery is stunning, established and peaceful.”

The breathtaking scenery, the supportive staff, and the opportunity to create a multi-generational legacy resonated deeply with them. “The unique benefits that come with a Better Place Forests Memorial Tree made our decision easy,” explains Mayuree. “When we were informed that we can share our tree with our children and pets, we knew this was the right place. With our pets being such a part of our family this was unexpected, amazing, special and a meaningful piece to our decision!”

“When we were informed that we can share our tree with our children and pets, we knew this was the right place.” -Mayuree T., Better Place Forests St Croix Valley, Minnesota

A Memorial Tree to Match Their Life Story

The most rewarding experience was the couple’s journey to find their forever tree. “It felt like buying a home,” Mayuree said. “Our Forest Guide asked us, ‘Do we want a private cul-de-sac? Or would you rather be on the main road? Do you want to be close to a neighbor or do you want something away from others?’ We went back and narrowed down the area to be more secluded.”

After several in-forest visits and exploring various trees, a young red maple with unique twists and turns caught their attention. The tree looked really healthy with slight imperfections that seemed to mirror the couple’s life journey; and the surrounding area was beautiful, making it the perfect choice. “All of its twists made us wonder what happened to it?” confides Mayuree. “We felt it must have had the same experience as us—life’s ups and downs, changes and adaptations to face along its journey. And all of this experience make us unique, mature and strong—just like this tree.”

“When I saw our tree I was like WOW! I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. The character and curves up the trunk just fit our life story.” -Mayuree T., Better Place Forests St Croix Valley, Minnesota

Reflecting on Better Place Forests

The energy of Better Places Forests St. Croix Valley impressed the couple and made them feel right at home. They especially loved knowing that their friends and family will have a place to visit and remember them. 

The scenery of the walking trails through the forest offers a unique and peaceful energy as well. “Each part of Better Place Forests St. Croix Valley, from the forest to the lake, is so beautiful and picturesque…it’s a place with positive energy,” shares Mayuree. “After we pass away, we like knowing that we’ll still contribute to nature. We like that we’ll be a part of the forest and the positive energy for others, instead of creating a burden of having us underground. Our choice feels lighter and more energetic.”

“We love that this choice we made is practical, energetic, peaceful and sustaining and complimentary to nature and the environment.” -Mayuree T., Better Place Forests St Croix Valley, Minnesota

Mayuree’s Advice

“The decision to call Better Place Forests our forever home was just between me and my husband. We didn’t want anyone else having any influence on our decision,” shares Mayuree. “Nobody knows our life story like us.” Mayuree encourages others to seize the opportunity for end-of-life planning. “Do it so that other people don’t have to do it for you! It’s a gift to your family.”

Peace of Mind

Since purchasing their Memorial Tree, the couple has gotten their end-of-life plans in order, they’ve even written their will. Knowing their boys wouldn’t have to make these decisions for them has brought them peace of mind too. In fact, they briefly shared their  plans with their eldest son and plan to bring both of their boys to visit their Memorial Tree in the next year.   

Better Place Forests offers more than a resting place; it allows life to continue on in the forest. With that in mind, Mayuree and Rick even plan to celebrate their 30th anniversary next year at their tree. “Sitting with a cup of coffee, humbly connecting and learning what the tree will share sounds like a good celebration to us.”