At Sunrise Estate Services, we work in emotionally heavy environments. Every estate tells a story, and many of those stories begin with loss. Families bring us in at a time when emotions are raw, memories are everywhere, and decisions feel overwhelming.
The truth is that weight affects us, too. We feel it.
But even in those moments, light still finds a way in. Sometimes it shows up as laughter between coworkers. Sometimes it’s a shared meal at the end of a long day. And other times, it’s a vintage can of Spam.
Here’s a look at how our team finds those moments of levity and connection while doing meaningful work.
The Exploding Chicken
One day, a staff member came across a preserved canned chicken. We had a feeling it would not go well, but curiosity won. They opened it.
The chicken exploded out of the can. The smell was awful, but the moment was hysterical and resulted in leap-frogging over each other up the stairs to get outside.
Old Candy and Peanut Contests
While sorting through boxes, we occasionally find old snacks. Very old snacks. On more than one occasion, team members have held eating contests involving candy and peanuts that had clearly been sitting untouched for a decade.
These kinds of moments are not planned. They happen when people work closely, trust each other, and need a quick break from the seriousness of the task.
A Can of Spam and a Barbecue Invitation
We once came across a 1960s can of Spam. Instead of tossing it, we wrapped it up and gave it to some customers as a lighthearted gift. Not long after, they invited us over to a barbecue where they actually cooked the Spam and served it. It turned into a shared experience none of us expected.
Vintage Fashion Photo Shoots
Closets often hold surprises. One day we found a collection of vintage dresses and decided to take prom-style photos. On another job, a team member found a rack of structured jackets and blazers. They put one on, joking that it looked like a Hillary Clinton power suit, and posed for pictures. These photos are now part of our team memories.
The Wine River of Small Town Alberta
In one estate, we needed to dispose of a large homemade wine collection. We worked together to carry hundreds of bottles up from the basement, through the backyard, and into a disposal bin.
Unfortunately, we misjudged the weight. The boxes gave out, and all the bottles broke at once. We watched an unexpected river of wine flow out of the bin and down the alley. It was not ideal, but it was also unforgettable.
Crooked Airbnb Hallways and Local Beer
Out-of-town jobs are part of what we do. When we travel, we often stay in Airbnbs so we can cook together and unwind as a group.
One property was so slanted that walking down the hallway felt like being on a boat. You had to brace yourself against the walls just to make it from one room to another.
Despite that, these evenings are often some of the best parts of the job. After a hard day of work, we cook supper or barbecue and sometimes walk to a nearby brewery to support local and bring back a growler of beer. Sitting on the deck as a team and relaxing is something we look forward to whenever we can.
Why These Moments Matter
The work we do at Sunrise Estate Services is serious. It involves loss, transition, and the responsibility of honoring what was left behind. But within that, we also experience connection, trust, and shared laughter.
These stories are part of our history as a team. They remind us that even in difficult moments, there can be joy. Not at the expense of what families are going through, but as a way to move forward together.
If you are facing the challenge of managing an estate, know that our team understands the weight of what you are carrying. And we will show up with the care it deserves.
Contact Sunrise Estate Services to learn how we support families across Alberta with professionalism, compassion, and sometimes, a good story or two.
