FUNERALS and MEMORIAL SERVICES
- saying goodbye
Losing a loved one is devastating. It's a time of shock, bewilderment, disbelief and in the case of
protracted illness, sometimes a blessed relief. No matter what the circumstances, it is a time of profound change - a time to reflect, give
thanks and say goodbye to the physical form we have known and loved.

This is usually a deeply difficult and painful time, which means that the way a ceremony is created and conducted will
not only have a lasting impact but will make a difference in the days and years ahead, when the deceased is remembered.
For family and friends this is not only a time to grieve and say goodbye, but also to give thanks and
celebrate the life of the departed. It is a time of trying to come to terms with change and loss.
Where there has been a strong religious faith, the funeral service will usually be conducted by a Minister of
that faith. However, many people would describe themselves as believing in a spiritual source without necessarily being religious and
this is where I can offer a service to honour that belief.
Frequently, family and friends want to pay their respects by sharing stories about the deceased, listening to some
much loved music and maybe reading a poem or passage that seems to reflect their feelings. An Interfaith ceremony ensures that everything
desired is included and that the lasting feeling is one of completion, respect and love.
For a cremation, I always recommend that where possible, a double time period is booked to ensure that saying
goodbye is not rushed.
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"Dear Reverend Akasha, we would like to take this
opportunity to express our thanks to you for your help and understanding in arranging Mary's funeral service. It was a special day as we
said goodbye to her, and everyone who attended felt it was what she
would have wanted. So
Mary's long journey has ended and sad though that fact is, we are
comforted in the knowledge we did our best with your help and
sincerity yesterday. Thank you and Bless you."
C & S, Wiltshire, UK
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"Dear Akasha, I cannot thank you enough for giving my mum such a heartfelt
service. You made the day so very special and everyone has been asking me where on earth we found you! There really
are no words for me to express how grateful I am to you for giving us all your kind support. You have been a complete
blessing to us all, thank you so very much"
CL, Oxford, UK
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"Dear Akasha, my wife and I would like to thank you so much for the effort you put in today at the
funeral of Olive Archer and in the past few weeks attempting to locate family and friends. Without you and your selfless
effort Olive would have been cremated,and gone on her last journey alone. We are MOST grateful to you for bringing
the family and friends of Olive together for this final tribute to her life. The service was a very tender and loving
goodbye. Your kindness will remain with us always, thank you so
much."
PA, Wiltshire, UK
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These are two very good resource books with a wealth of practical, emotional and legal information.
"The New Natural Death Handbook" by Nicholas Albery and Stephanie Wienrich.
"The Dead Good Funerals Book" by John Fox and Sue Gill (not so accurate on the legal aspects)
If you are looking for beautiful poems for a funeral or memorial
service, visit: www.poeticexpressions.co.uk
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