When we lose someone, we are perhaps more real, more vulnerable than at any point in time in our lives. And yet, most of the ceremonies and rituals around death that we’ve become familiar with come up woefully short. It feels like an oxymoron…wanting to do something that feels big enough, deep enough, bright enough, honest enough, real enough, when you are already emotionally drained.
And as a society, we are in a bit of an awkward place…not particularly good at acknowledging loss…and at a time when we are beginning to embrace death a little better. But we’re not there yet. The pendulum swing between hiving everything off to traditional funeral professionals or taking it on yourself…when neither feels like a fit. And what often happens…nothing gets done…can leave us feeling even more empty and incomplete.
You may not know what you want to do, but you want to do something. Something that feels real and true to you and to your loved one. I can help you with that.
Or maybe you have a good idea already but just know that you want to be fully there, able to fully experience what is happening because the mantle of leadership has been shifted off your shoulders…so you can feel the embrace of your community at a time when you really need it.
I’ve done everything from active farewells for unborn/wee ones to wicked celebrations for practical jokers. All remarkable tributes. All fitting. But rarely traditional. Because that’s not what my people want. They want something that is big enough, deep enough, bright enough, honest enough, real enough. Something that truly celebrates life and love and all we are grateful for.
Let’s aim for something your loved one would love to attend. Because s/he will be there in spirit. For certain.
If I could leave Barbara ten stars I would. Without a doubt Barbara elevated the ceremony we held to honour our mother to a level the angels could have felt. THANK YOU. If you are looking for a ceremony that is unique and rich with meaning, you have come to the right person. Barbara will create a ceremony you and your guests will be able to recall, relive and replay for the rest of time. BRILLIANT working with you, Barbara.” — I wish I had met Stephanie’s Mom. She sure was loved.