When I first meet people and tell them that I am a Life Celebrant who guides and helps families prepare for and navigate end of life ceremonies, more often than not, it leads to some interesting questions and conversations. I love them all. Talking about death and funerals is uncomfortable for many people. I am perhaps one of the odd ones who really loves and appreciates a good funeral. Let me explain.
Certainly, the loss of a loved one is never easy and we all process grief in our own ways. What I find the most rewarding is meeting with families, holding space for their individual loss and listening to each of their stories. Of course, we might have some ideas as to how we want to be remembered when we die. Sometimes a lot of the details have been worked out ahead of time. Alternatively, when the loss is sudden, there is no time to prepare. The family and friends that we leave behind are the guardians of those wishes and even still, they may not always agree on how those wishes should be honored. So there are a lot of layers and decisions to sort through at a time when the intense emotions of grief can be overwhelming.
As a Life Celebrant, it is my job to help families come together on their individual grief journeys and guide them through these decisions to create a celebration that is meaningful to everyone. Each life is unique and so too, is each life celebration. My greatest joy and privilege is walking with families during this difficult time, respecting their needs and wishes and helping them create a moment that truly serves them.
“Life is what you celebrate. All of it. Even it’s end.” Joanne Harris
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