Bidding farewell to loved ones, whether family, friends or for some people furbabies, is a very difficult and stressful time.
It should be undertaken in a manner that recognises the sadness of their passing, respects their legacy and celebrates the life, love and memories that they shared with those left behind.
End of life ceremonies can take many different forms.
- Funerals can be burials, cremations, graveside ceremonies and others. Funeral Directors will assist with the decisions to be made in regard to the format of the funeral itself but when it comes to the farewell ceremony we will craft a unique script that shares the life of the loved one who has left, the memories that you share and the feelings that you are experiencing as well as celebrating everything they brought to your lives and sending them forward with your love.
- Memorials can take place as a follow up to a funeral, on a special anniversary or as an opportunity for more friends and family to attend. We will create a unique and memorable ceremony to celebrate the life of your loved one and we can be slightly less formal than an actual funeral sharing stories, experiences and memories together.
- Scattering of Ashes is generally undertaken as a last wish of the person who has left and this can be a moving and heartfelt way to let them know that you will always love them and to send them on their way.
- In some instances people want to plan their own ceremonies and I can assist with this.
Honouring your loved one and celebrating their life.
As with every other ceremony I prepare, these would be tailored to suit your own personal circumstances. I can assist in the writing of an appropriate eulogy and even deliver it if required and will be able to advise on appropriate songs, readings and rituals. Whatever beliefs you and your family have can be included within the ceremony.
The legacy left by your loved one should not be measured solely by the number of tears shed at their funeral but also by the number of smiles as people recall the good times and the memories they cherish. The sadness of the farewell should be tempered with gratitude for the life of the person and for their impact on your lives and thankfulness for having known them.
A well crafted and presented funeral or memorial ceremony provides a valuable opportunity to begin true healing for grieving family and friends.
The grief journey
I encourage you to talk to your family about death. When families or communities plan and involve themselves in a funeral service, and support each other and allow their feelings of love and loss to be expressed, then the journey through grief, to healing, to finding a new ‘normal’ begins.
Grief is a normal and natural process and with deep love comes deep grief so it needs to be accepted and understood that only time will ease the pain of loss. Sorrow is a response to the sadness but mixing it with gratitude for the life of your loved one does help.
I am based in Brisbane and perform ceremonies throughout Brisbane, Logan, Scenic Rim, Ipswich and South, to the Gold Coast QLD.
