Joy on the Journey: Is joy a choice?

Meet Mandys Cleaning Service Management TeamAt MCS, we take pride in the dedicated professionals who make our company thrive. Our team isnt just a group of employeeswere a family, committed to delivering exceptional service with care and precision.MCS was founded in 2009 by James and Mandy Patterson, a husband-and-wife team who have built this business with passion, integrity, and a deep appreciation for both employees and customers. Their leadership has cultivated a culture of excellence and trust.Our Sales Manager, Stacy Cagle, has been with us since 2018. She listens carefully to customers, assesses their needs, and provides detailed estimatesall while ensuring they fully understand the value of our services.Since 2019, Michelle Shamburger, our Office Manager, has been the organizational powerhouse behind MCS. She manages scheduling, invoicing, payroll, and customer communications, ensuring every home is treated with special care.Kara Grubbs, our Field Manager since 2017, ensures seamless day-to-day operations. As our longest-tenured management team member, she is a true leader, working closely with employees and customers to deliver outstanding service.For the past four years, Bonnie Loftin, our Assistant to the Management Team, has been the welcoming voice of MCS, helping new customers get started while keeping our operations running smoothly.Training is at the heart of our success, and Diana Steiner, our Training Manager since 2022, plays a vital role in developing skilled technicians who uphold MCSs high standards in every home.Were thrilled to announce that Daphne Acree, who joined MCS in 2024, will step into her new role as Commercial Manager in March 2025. Her expertise and leadership will be instrumental in expanding our commercial services while maintaining the high standards our customers expect.This incredible team is the backbone of MCS, and were excited about the future!All employees of Mandy's Cleaning Service are not only highly skilled cleaners, but work at each home or office in a professional manner. We perform detailed background checks on every potential hire before they join our team. Mandy's Cleaning Service is licensed, bonded and insured so you can rest easy with our service in your home or office. Each member of our team comes to your home or office in full uniform with all the cleaning equipment necessary to do the job. Due to our high standards, each employee is provided the same type of cleaning equipment, such as the award winning Kirby Vacuum system and other mops and accessories to do the job correctly. Instead of worrying about who will be cleaning your home, you can focus on the benefits of a great clean based on your preference cleaning plan. We provide a quality service by a dependable crew to ensure that your entire family enjoys the benefit of a thoroughly cleaned home! Contact us at 251-533-0616 or visit the website at mandysclean.com to book an appointment.

A simple checklist for making sure your obituary honors and informs.When a loved one has passed away, writing an obituary that honors their life can seem overwhelming. Dont worry - your obituary will honor their life simply by the act of you writing it. You want to celebrate your loved ones life and offer happy and enjoyable memories. You are helping to ease the pain of others simply by telling a story about your loved one.We hope that this checklist will take the stress and pressure off of you and allow you to honor your loved one. Remember, your funeral arranger is an experienced professional and is a valuable resource for writing the obituary.Include basic details about the persons lifeYou dont have to include all of this information, but here are the basics that are often included in an obituary. Choose the elements that are most relevant to your loved one: Age Any familial survivors Education Vocation When the person retired, if relevant Any military affiliations Any volunteer affiliations Include funeral informationFamily and friends often rely on an obituary for information on when and where a persons life will be celebrated, so your obituary will make it very simple for them to get that information (and will save you the hassle of having to answer lots of questions at a time when you would prefer not to be bothered with small details). You can include: Date and time of the funeral Place the funeral is being held Any viewing details Request for donations in lieu of flowers

Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional and challenging experience, and sometimes, it's not easy to find the right words to express sympathy when the loss occurs. If you didn't offer your condolences at the time, you may wonder if it's too late to do so now. In this guide, we'll explore the importance of expressing sympathy, even if some time has passed, and offer guidance on how to approach this sensitive situation.1. It's Never Too Late for SympathyGrief is a long and evolving journey. While immediate condolences are appreciated, sympathy can be meaningful and comforting at any stage of the grieving process. It's never too late to reach out and offer your support.2. Acknowledge Your DelayIf you feel uncomfortable about the time that has passed, it's perfectly acceptable to acknowledge it in your message. A simple phrase like, "I'm sorry I didn't reach out sooner," can convey your genuine intentions.3. Choose a Thoughtful MediumConsider how you want to express your sympathy. A handwritten letter, an email, a heartfelt message, or even a phone call can all be appropriate ways to offer your condolences.4. Be Sincere and CompassionateWhen you reach out, express your sympathy with sincerity and empathy. Use kind and understanding language, and let the grieving person know that you care about their well-being.5. Keep It SimpleYou don't need to offer long explanations or profound insights. A heartfelt "I'm sorry for your loss," or "I'm thinking of you during this difficult time," can convey your sympathy effectively.6. Offer Specific HelpIf you are genuinely willing and able to assist, consider offering specific help, such as running errands, providing a meal, or simply being available to listen if they want to talk.7. Respect Their SpaceGrief can be a highly personal experience, and some individuals may not be ready to engage in conversation. Respect their boundaries and allow them to respond or not respond as they feel comfortable.8. Follow UpAfter expressing your sympathy, follow up with a message or gesture of support in the coming weeks or months. Grief can be isolating, and knowing that someone cares can make a significant difference.9. Accept Their ResponseUnderstand that the grieving person may respond in various ways. Some may appreciate your message immediately, while others may need more time to process it. Your intentions matter, even if the response is not immediate. Expressing sympathy, even after some time has passed since a loved one's death, can offer comfort and support to those who are grieving. It's a compassionate gesture that shows you care about their well-being and acknowledge their pain. Remember that grief has no set timeline, and your sympathy can be a source of solace during a challenging journey. Reach out with sincerity, offer your support, and be open to their response, respecting their pace and feelings as they navigate their grief. Your gesture of sympathy can make a meaningful difference in their healing process.