Welcome to my website and to my very first blog post. I hope that the website gives you some insight into the work of a funeral celebrant and how I may be of some help to you. 2020 has been a challenging year for us all, filled with uncertainty. We’ve seen the best of people and the worst, many of us have had to change our daily routines and patterns – from the school run and the daily commute to how we shop and keep in touch. All of us have been touched by the impact of COVID-19, and many of us have lost family members, friends and work colleagues due to the pandemic. But this strange and challenging time has also been an opportunity to take stock, to refocus, and to discover what is truly important and how we want to spend our time. Can you relate to this? For me personally, my desire to be of comfort and support to people in some of the darkest days became stronger and I used the additional time that working from home gave me to study, gaining qualifications in counselling, end of life and bereavement, pet bereavement and depression. I was also drawn to the work of a funeral celebrant as I saw it as an opportunity to be of some support in a positive way, to help the bereaved to begin their healing journey and to say their goodbyes in the way that they wanted to.
It’s been a real roller coaster of a journey, and difficult to study and have a full time job, but I’m so glad I began this journey. I’ve met (virtually on Zoom!) some amazing, like-minded people who have become friends, and it’s opened my eyes to a completely different potential future. One where I really can make a difference, where I can use skills from my days working in communications and event management, where I’ve learned new skills, and will continue to grow and develop. Where I can be doing something that is fulfilling and meaningful.
I understand that, for my clients, our first meeting is likely to be in sad and difficult times for them, but I hope that, by being there for them at this time, I can be of comfort and support. As we move into 2021 and we can see the beginnings of a return to some form of normality, I am champing at the bit to be out meeting with Funeral Directors and beginning to form what I hope will be positive, solid working relationships with the amazing people working in this field. People who, like me, are dedicated to helping others and supporting them when their lives have been irrevocably changed by the loss of a loved one. It’s a challenging time but also an exciting time and I am filled with anticipation and trepidation…