Writing Celebrations of Life always provides me with the most wondrous sense of purpose.
During consultations to plan the ceremony, families share with me the most intimate details of their loved one's life and their role within it (spouse, child, grand-child) ... so much of the good, but also, the heartaches, the disappointments, the undone threads ... the what its?; the how comes?
Watching families sift through and story another's life, often within mere days of their death, well there is a sacredness in this akin to being present to witness birth.
Writing to represent these stories with dignity, and enough truth so the person is recognizable to those in attendance while fully appreciating they are not physically present to narrate their own lives, I just never want to lose sight of this responsibility.
During our first consultation I will take notes of responses to questions I ask, such as: Can you describe to me in as much detail as you feel comfortable, what is most memorable about your loved one? I don't pretend all the memories are happy, I just allow the memories to be what they are ... a snapshot of a moment in time.
After we meet, I will write a ceremony, and offer some readings that I think suit the person you are honouring. The ceremony takes on the tone and pacing that works best for you. I will assist loved ones who'd like to participate, accompanying them through working for a Eulogy, or writing a poem for their favourite grand-parent. I will continue to edit as you remember bits you initially forgot to include, and until you are completely happy, I will keep making changes to the ceremony.
Fees generally range between $450-500.00, depending on travel.
However, you will not be turned away based on finances alone.
