"The song has ended, but the melody lingers"...
For many of us, losing someone we love, sets us on one of life’s loneliest journeys, and having to arrange a funeral at the start of that difficult journey, can often be overwhelming, especially when we want to ‘do right’ by the person we have lost but are not quite sure how.
No amount of words can ever ‘sum’ up a person’s life, but a personalised funeral, that really reflects all that they were, and what they mean to you, is the one last loving act that you can do for your loved one - I am here to help you do that.
Remembering, celebrating, or saying goodbye, in a way that brings meaning to you, and in a way that your loved one would have wanted for themself, that echo's their uniqueness, can be comforting, empowering, and even uplifting, and is no less than they (or you) deserve - afterall, the only things that really matter when we reach the end of our life, are the memories we made (however long or short our time was) and the way we are remembered...
Having the honour of getting to know your loved one ‘vicariously’ through you, and creating a service, that reflects them, is my greatest privilege, and because I am an independent Celebrant honouring all faiths and beliefs, your service can include whatever is meaningful to you, whether that is poems, hymns, music, songs, readings, spiritual words, traditions, prayers from any religion (or none of these!). There is no ‘typical’ where life and loss is concerned, and nothing you may wish to be included in your loved one’s service, will shock me, because every person and every life is individual.
You may choose a traditional cremation for your loved one; there are also other options, such as woodland (or even sea) burials….and if you want to distance the physical ‘letting go’ of the cremation or burial and remember your loved one in a separate memorial service or change the tone entirely and hold a ‘Celebration of Life’ ceremony, in a place of your choosing…you can!
....Just a little note for the 'forward thinkers' amongst you, but you can of course plan your own funeral, celebration of life or memorial, through creating a 'living wish', and even hold a 'Celebration of Life' ceremony while you are still here in person, before you begin your own 'ethereal journey'! afterall, how many times have you attended a wake or a memorial and heard others say....he/she would have loved to be here with all their family and friends!; this is your life, and your choice on how you remember, recognise or celebrate it!
Celebrating a loved ones life
What can you expect from me?
...You can expect dedication so much more than a 'generic' service. I will outline the ‘fundamentals’ of the funeral process, providing support, guidance and suggestions, in whatever way (and to whatever degree you need) creating a service that includes all the things that are important to you, drawing out all the things that resonate with you and honour your loved one in the way they themselves would have wanted!
The only things that really matter when we reach the end of our life are the memories we made and the way we ourselves are remembered; you can be assured that the service will be delivered in a way that brings meaning to you, respects your loved one, and reflects all the love, warmth and dignity that should be afforded to them and to you, and of course, you will be presented with a ‘draft’ ceremony script to approve, which can be amended as needed to ensure it is exactly what you want and need. If you want to speak at the funeral, I am there to faciliate that and offer support, or physically 'step in' if you find you are not able to stand up in front of everyone on the day. There is no 'absolutes', ultimately I am here for you and your love one!
Whether you are arranging your loved ones funeral independently or using an established Funeral Director, the Celebrant you choose to perform your loved ones service, is absolutely up to you; your Funeral Director will be used to families requesting a specific Celebrant of their choosing, so you can book me directly or via your Funeral Director; if you haven’t chosen a Funeral Director, I can also recommend some highly reputable ones to you.
Whilst I am an eastbourne funeral celebrant, life, love and loss are not exclusive to the UK's 'Sunshine Coast'; I will be honoured to create and deliver services across Sussex, the UK and Overseas (upon request).
For Funerals within a 25-mile radius from Eastbourne;
A single-slot crematorium funeral from £200
Please get in touch for a personal quotation for alternative (second) venue Memorial services or Celebration of Life ceremonies