Dementia and Alzheimers Poem

I just wanted to share the following poem - it's called, The Alzheimer's Poem. I have no expertise when it comes to Dementia and Alzheimers. It is an illness that seems to impact on so many of the families I help. As a society, we don't always talk about it and maybe in part that is because there is no battle to be fought, as there can be with other illnesses (although personally, I don't like the fighting / battling imagery that is sometimes associated with fighting cancer for example, but that's a blog for another day).

I know it scares me more than even cancer. I know there is no hierarchy of good and bad deaths - any passing from illness or sudden event will feel too soon and will hurt beyond words. But this is especially difficult to cope with. Its impact both on the person and on their family is profound. 

More To Death - National Death Centre - Edition 7

At its heart, the Last Word Celebrant  blog is all about encouraging conversations about death and end of life matters. Whether it is highlighting a poem that resonates with me or quotes reflecting on the meaning of life and death or simply my experiences as an independent funeral celebrant - its good to talk about death.   So I'm really pleased to share with you The Natural Death Centre's magazine, More to Death. Perhaps after reading the magazine, check out their website too, which provides a wealth of impartial information about natural and environmentally friendly funerals and end of life decisions.

I won't highlight specific articles - far better you read through and find what interests you - but well worth a look. If any of the articles pose any questions do ask and I'll try to offer an answer for you...

Quote of the Day: Jenny Eclair

A Year After he died I still miss Dad.

"It's been just over a year since my father died. I say died, because that's what happened. We didn't lose him, as many people term it. If he'd just slipped out of the back door of the nursing home and made a break for the pub by the golf course, then that would have been OK. If we'd just lost him, we could have found him.

But we didn't lose him. He died. he was 90 and it was sad because he was funniest man I ever met.I still find it unbelievable that I won't see him again."

Jenny Eclair, writing in Waitrose Weekend.

Quote of the Day: Jay Rayner

"You only become a proper adult when both your parents have gone. You are out in the world. It is not like I would have wished  them off any sooner, but at some point you do have to move forward." Jay Rayner.

Funeral Ceremony Advice: The Eulogy / Tribute

For a celebrant led funeral service especially, the eulogy is such a key part of the ceremony. Whether it takes the form of one chapter, or a collection of memories from different family and friends, this is the moment when we celebrate the person's life. For me, the best eulogies are relatively brief - 500-750 words is perfect, especially if other readings and music are to be included. It is impossible to capture every last detail in the short time available, so better to pick out key qualities that will resonate with most of those present. 

So the best eulogies don't try to capture every address or career step, nor try to name check numerous friends. It should capture the essence of the person - who they were not what they were. The legacy they leave behind in those closest to them, the gentle way they inspired others; the simple memories that may be of almost no consequence to most people but for the family mean everything...

Happy New Year 2016

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and successful 2016 - I hope that life is kind to you and that the year brings all you wish for.

Andrew Jackson is a funeral celebrant working in the Bristol, Bath and surrounding area. NY Resolution...to average two blog posts per week, so target is 104 blogs over the course of the year...