Initiative by Anita Meinema
The letterbox for ‘letters to heaven’ is an initiative by Anita Meinema from Santpoort-Noord. Anita’s parents and husband were cremated at Westerveld, and their ashes were also scattered there. After regularly writing letters to her husband after his death, Anita realised that this helped her a great deal in coping with her loss. Her next thought was that if it helped her, it might also help other people to send a ‘letter to heaven’. She approached Westerveld Cemetery & Crematorium with her idea, and they have since installed a special letterbox at the entrance to the park. On posting her ‘letter to heaven’ on 18 May, Anita Meinema’s wish was granted.
Anita Meinema explains: “I love walking around Westerveld Park because it’s beautiful. Luckily, Westerveld immediately welcomed my idea. I’m delighted that there is now a letterbox for anyone wanting to write a letter, whether it’s personal or anonymous. Who knows what people may write; a poem, a final goodbye or simply a ‘chat’.”
Offering comfort
“We are delighted and proud to have been able to become part of this beautiful initiative,” says Jessica Hof of Westerveld Cemetery & Crematorium. “I truly hope that writing letters can help comfort family and friends in their time of loss, just as it did Anita Meinema.”