10 Nov 2024 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

I am I, You are You.

Death is … A family recently chose this poem by Henry Scott-Holland to read at their son’s funeral. Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you…

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30 Jul 2024 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

Dying to Know Day

Death and Dying Expo ‘Talking about sex won’t make you pregnant, and talking about death won’t make you dead.’ Bringing together local industry experts in the End Of Life Field on Sunday 4th August 2024, 9am-1pm at Woopi Gardens Talking about death doesn’t have to be morbid. Rani Foreman (End Of Life…

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26 Jul 2024 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

Farewell Glynn

There were many stories when I met with David and Sarah last week at their home. Naturally there were both tears and laughter as they shared stories of their beautiful son, Glynn. Grief moves through the many layers of emotions: one minute crying, the next minute laughing. Waking up and…

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20 May 2024 | Ceremonies

No Written Words

I do love a spontaneous ceremony…one that has a light sense of structure to hold a grieving family. The matriarch of the family was 102 when she died. This glamorous and gregarious old lady had lived a great life. Not everyone in the family wanted a ceremony but once again,…

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20 May 2024 | Ceremonies

Grief Circle

“Imagine the feeling of relief that would flood our whole being if we knew that when we were in the grip of sorrow or illness, our village would respond to our need. This would not be out of pity, but out of a realization that every one of us will…

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18 May 2024 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

Estranged and Together Again

I was contacted by a family member who had been estranged from their younger sibling for over fifty years until just a few months before they died from a terminal illness. No-one else in the family wanted a ceremony but this sibling and their partner really did. I visited the…

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10 May 2024 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

Honouring Ted

A Man to Remember I met with Ted’s family who adored him. They shared many funny stories and secrets while we looked over the back hills of Coffs Harbour. The rain was coming down in sheets. This esteemed gentleman had lived into many different lives. “Ted will be remembered for…

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30 Apr 2024 | Ceremonies

One Awesome Nanna!

Norma Jean… what a fun Mum and Nanna! After a wonderful visit with Norma’s family I started to write the ceremony. It was clear she was greatly loved… I received emails from six of her adult grandchildren. I was privileged to read them. There were tears everywhere. “Grandchildren can hold…

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06 Apr 2024 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

Sitting on the fence…

Celebrating This Precious Life: I recall climbing the Alps in France nearly 15 years ago when my partner and I were WOOF’ing (volunteering on organic farms). We would get up early, with our head torch lighting the way to climb to the peak and see the sunrise over the snow…

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21 Mar 2024 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

An Intimate Farewell for Russ

The ceremony for Russ opened with a beautiful piece of music he loved, a quiet track from the band, Bread, called, If. I first met Russ nearly three years ago when, as a celebrant I supported his wife, Kerrie and her family to say farewell to her dad, John and…

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