DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – It’s not often you find yourself driving down Telegraph with the ashes of a man in your car -- a man you’ve never met -- but that happened to me today.
I did not expect this as I was reading all the tips send to Help Me Hank overnight. Antia from Dearborn Heights reached out to me because she was desperate to bring her husband Lawrence home. You see, he died in April and she decided to have him cremated. Generations Funeral Home in Farmington Hills helped with the arrangements.
Cremation isn’t cheap and Anita didn’t have the money. She applied for financial help through the DHHS office with the state of Michigan.
Yes, the state helps cover costs of burial and cremation for some who simply can’t afford it. However, she filed the paperwork, made countless calls and went in person but could never get the funds released.
The funeral home told me they too were frustrated. I called and emailed the state DHHS office a few times and decided to stop at the funeral home to chat. The owner listened to my concerns and was familiar with Anita’s story.
He asked me inside. I waited a while and then he did something I didn’t expect. He said he would waive all the fees and wanted to know if Anita allowed it, if I would deliver the cremains. I was stunned. I signed the necessary documents and then I was off with Lawrence.
His wife was overcome with emotion when I brought his ashes home to her. I will tell you this was a moment. My goodness.
As for the state, I did get a call back and was told they were reviewing the information and the that it would likely release the funds. We no longer needed that money. This funeral home is a business -- one that depends on money -- but in this case they decided to help someone in need.
How fantastic. I was proud to play a small part in this great moment.
The state did tell me they do work to help as many people as possible, but admits it can take time.
---> Learn more: Michigan’s burial, cremation payment assistance program