As a funeral celebrant I meet families to plan, then write and officiate at the funeral service for their loved one, usually held in a crematorium, but can be in other locations; a funeral or memorial service can be held almost anywhere.
I am often asked to write the life history of the deceased, so I sit and chat with the family to find out more about their life. Sometimes the family know the more recent history but often there are information gaps about earlier stages of their life, even if I speak to other friends, we may not capture their full narrative.
To ensure that the full life is captured I offer to write your eulogy whilst you are still alive – a living eulogy – this gives you the opportunity to tell me your story as you want it to be heard – you can literally have the last word! You can thank those closest to you, let them know how wonderful and loved they were by you. Your character will come through the words and truly reflect your life adventures.
I think most importantly you save your loved ones the grief and stress of choosing funeral readings in possibly their darkest hour.
It is not only the right words that you can choose but we can also plan your final farewell with the perfect music, readings and poems.
So, how does a living eulogy it work?
Well, we will have several informal chats often with your family present, these chats are full of fun, laughter and often tears. I can’t tell you how often I have heard the phrase – Gosh I never knew that about you!! Once I have written your Eulogy, some of your life history and you have approved it we can arrange for it to be lodged either with your solicitor or with a family member.
This may sound a difficult conversation to have but I find that once people start talking about their life the memories come flooding back and truly reflects their achievements, experiences; what and who they loved the most.
For further information on funeral readings or celebrant services just drop me an email or contact The Oxfordshire Celebrant through my website. http://www.oxford-celebrant.co.uk