Let me preface this review: I've experienced death quite a bit. Both my grandfathers passed (Alzheimer's, age), my father (lung cancer), then my baby niece (Leigh's Disease). And just over a year ago, my wife (pancreatic cancer). I've been to quite a few arrangement meetings for deathcare. Nothing has compared to the care received at Return Home. I know what typical funeral homes look like: Nondescript, their interiors as pale and lifeless as the corpses they host for a time. I know what typical funeral homes feel like: Sterile. Cold. Transactional. Like you're a guest in a house you'll never visit again, though strangely you are leaving behind your loved one in their care. Enter Return Home. In October 2022, when it was determined she was not going to get better, my wife and I discussed what to do with her body...a discussion neither of us really wanted to have but was necessary. In the essence of practicality, she said, "Just do the cheapest thing and cremate me." I responded, "Or we could turn you into soil and plant trees with you!" I explained the concept of Terramation, and with a weakened smile she said "I'm not opposed." She always loved trees and nature. She died two months later, five days before Christmas. In California (in 2022) Terramation was not yet legal (coming 2027!) but coordinating out-of-state was an option. I worked with Katey Houston, Return Home Services Manager, to coordinate death care for my Jen. Katey was accessible, caring, respectful, and informative and made the process as smooth as could be during the most difficult time in my life. At all times, I knew what was happening and what was to be expected. I had a very clear understanding of where things were at in the terramation process and felt comfortable calling or emailing at any point for updates. The best part of the whole process was my decision to travel to Washington and pick up Jen's soil and take it home with me. Often times, people do not know or understand what their rights are with their loved ones' remains. I was thrilled that not only could I pick up (or have delivered, for a greater expense due to shipping policies) her remains, but had the opportunity to tour the facility. Entering Return Home felt like, well, returning home. The habitat inside the facility felt vibrant, organic, authentic. The interior décor was surprisingly lush and beautiful with plants and backdrops of foliage. Any questions I asked were answered, and seeing/knowing where Jen had been cared for was extremely meaningful and reassuring. The presentation of her soil awaiting my arrival, in burlap bags with handmade tags, felt sacred and ritualistic. While packing my wife's remains in suitcases to bring home to San Diego, Return Home's CEO, Micah Truman, happened to arrive onsite. He immediately knew who I was, who I was taking home, and offered to help me with packing and weighing my bags to distribute accordingly to avoid additional airline fees due to weight. He was personable, professional, caring, and clearly passionate about his line of work. Months later, he called me personally to check in on me, and to ask for feedback about my experience. That meant a lot and though it's taken me a while, I wanted to write a review to express how very valuable and exceptional the experience was. read more