Saying Goodbye to one you love
Whether it is expected or sudden, saying goodbye to someone you love is never easy, especially as it usually falls to those grieving most acutely to plan a farewell. It is quite common and natural for emotions to run high and decisions may seem daunting, especially when done as a collective. Having a chaplain on hand to hold space for all the hearts who are weathering loss can be a great balm and ease a path of clear and loving communication throughout the planning process. It would be my great honor to shepherd you and yours from the first steps of planning into and through the ceremony.
Funerals, Memorials, & Celebrations of Life: What’s the difference?
Some choose to observe the more traditional path of memorializing their loved one in a house of worship or funeral chapel within days of their passing. If the body is present, it is called a funeral; if the body has already been interred, it is generally considered a “memorial”.
Some families choose to honor the life of the person who has passed on with a less religion-centric “Celebration of Life”, a few weeks or even months after death.
Celebrations of Life: I’ll meet you here
As an interfaith Chaplain, I resonate most authentically when officiating for Celebrations of Life where religion takes a backseat to spirituality and the legacy of the human being who has passed into spirit takes center stage.
A Celebration of Life should reflect the truest essence, passions, joys, and triumphs of the departed and can be as heart opening as they might be heart breaking, full of good memories, deep gratitude, even laughter and whimsy.
You and your dear ones will know the best way to celebrate. You may even have very clear instructions from the departed one. Together, we will create a ceremony which reflects the rich life of your loved one while honoring the hearts of those grieving their loss.
How do we get started?
Once we have connected, we will find the most appropriate way to meet and discuss what kind of ceremony you seek. If you are in Maine it would be ideal to meet in person, health and safety permitting. If you are farther afield, zoom is always available.
At that point, it would be lovely to talk individually with each family member or friend who will be instrumental in the event or those whose wishes must be held dear in the planning.
We can work together to create an order of service or I can take that on once I’ve talked with everyone, whatever feels best for the collective wellbeing of the family. I can be a liaison between the family and other people who may speak, play music, provide refreshments, or I can simply serve as a guide and mistress of ceremonies on the day.
Honorarium
Being supported and offering a way to connect with the divine during a time of grief should never be cost prohibitive. Therefore, I offer my services for the planning and Celebration of Life on a sliding scale from $50-$500 and trust that families will offer what they can and the amount which aligns with the level of love and care which they receive. Please keep in mind that if traveling outside of a two hour perimeter of Camden, Maine Or West Hartford, CT is required, reimbursement or help finding suitable travel accommodations will be expected.