Celebrations of life

“Life will go on as long as there is someone to sing, to dance, to tell stories and to listen.” ~Oren Lyons

A Celebration of Life ceremony can be a genuinely different approach to saying goodbye to loved ones. It’s the chance to remember them in full living colour. In a way that honours their life, their passions, and all the things that made them unique.

At the heart of a Celebration of Life is your loved one’s life story. Their true story. Specific and real snapshots of their life that allow people to settle in, smile, laugh, shed a few tears.

Most of us want to speak from our hearts about the deceased, but striking the right balance between false praise and hard-boiled honesty, can be a challenge. But the ceremonies that people remember dig deep into the lives of those being honoured, rather than skimming over the surface.

Building the story together

We begin with you. Over pots of tea, we’ll share memories and mementoes. From your stories will emerge a theme, and into that, I’ll weave actions, readings, or music – or whatever best reflects the essence of your loved one.

• If she was an avid golfer, we’ll add clubs
• If he baked a mean cupcake, we’ll add those
• If she loved the environment, we’ll build on that
• If he had a favourite place, we can hold the ceremony there
• If there’s a message that you want people to take away, we’ll plan for that in a well-chosen way.

Helping you prepare

Often family members want to participate. If so, I’ll help you prepare to deliver your portion with courage, surety, and confidence. With me as your guide, you won’t have to worry about the logistics… you’ll be able to breathe, take your time, allowing the words to come from the heart rather than rushing.

Both the design and the delivery will give you the space to begin to let go powerfully and intentionally. You’ll be able to be fully engaged in the ceremony. To approach it with an open heart. To be connected with those who have come to honour you and your family.

People will leave uplifted with a colourful and heart-warming memory of your loved one’s life. They can say: “yes, this truly was who s/he was. S/he would have loved this ceremony.”