29/01/2024
As a Funeral Celebrant it is proving to be a sad and busy time. We are here to help families through a very difficult period - not only by conducting their loved ones funeral service but by listening, and being there for the family and to bring them some kind of solace and comfort. We are hopefully a compassionate friend in their of hour need who can step back from the emotion, the memories and the hurt to make their final farewell easier. Having said that I have cried for all the families that I have worked with. Their stories, their love and their hurt is humbling and it is an honour to be able to help.. At least I hope I do. I hope that for a little while, even if it is just for an hour, they can share their memories, share their love and their tears are replaced with smiles. Today I met with Simons' family - our wonderful young actor from my play who sadly took his own life - coincidently on National Mental Health Awareness day. Simon was such a lovely young lad, who I am so proud to have known. He was talented, kind, caring, polite and compassionate. Meeting his family together to discuss his funeral it was evident where all these wonderful traits came from. They are a loving, close knit family. They are all devastated at the loss of this beautiful life. A son, brother, best friend, actor and gorgeous soul taken because of his inner demons. His amazing talent, his wonderful spirit, his loving heart and huge potential seen by everyone except himself. Su***de is seen as a cowards way out. But it isn't - for the person suffering it is the ONLY way out. The pain, life and trauma just too much to bear. PLEASE EVERYONE - talk to someone - anyone. Know that you are not alone. Know that there is nothing that can't be overcome. - and PLEASE EVERYONE - be the person that listens. Stop what your doing, turn off the TV, put down that phone and LISTEN. I WILL LEAVE THE LIGHT ON - WILL YOU ?