A Fine Attitude to Life & Death

The funeral celebrant side of my life has been especially busy this week. It started with the remembrance service (see previous post) and I've also had three ceremonies to look after. Each very different, but each very personal and with fascinating life stories to tell. One of the ceremonies reminded me of a quote that really inspired me when I first started as a celebrant. It's from Hunter S Thompson, who wrote this about death: 

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a ride!”

I love the attitude, the positive thinking, the energy and sense of living in the moment inherent in the quote. And the thought that at the end, life should be celebrated and not swamped by unnecessary formalities.

Today I have been mostly debating going back to bed if I'm honest - I'm shattered! 

A Time To Remember

It is so important to 'stop the world' every now again and dedicate some time to remembering those people no longer with us. Yesterday, I was privileged to have just such an opportunity when I was invited to speak at the Annual Service of Remembrance, in Bath, hosted by Co-operative Funeral Care. It brought together different faiths as well as myself representing those families who opted for a celebrant led service and together we lit candles and remembered. I've attached my reading below; I hope it resonates with you...

Music For Funerals

(This blog contains some great music choices for a funeral, but you do need to read through to the end...)

The choice of music plays an incredibly important role in the funeral. "Sad songs say so much" (I think that is an Elton John line) and in the midst of our grief, it can be difficult to articulate the complex emotions we are experiencing. Sometimes the words of a song can give voice to feelings otherwise impossible to express and as such, is one step of the healing process.

500 Days - The Project Continues

This is a quick update to the "500 Days' project blog, written in February...which incidentally, according to my site stats, is the most read post... is this a reflection on my funeral-related musings? Probably best not to answer that.

Anyway, 500 days is now less than 365 following a rather brilliant 49th birthday celebration. So a quick update on the the project...

Non Religious Funeral Reading: The Glory of Life

Before I departed for my mini break at the weekend, I conducted the funeral ceremony for a wonderful old gentleman called Frank. 

I met Frank earlier in the year, and immediately felt very comfortable with him - he was a lovely man to listen to. I just knew there were a host of stories within him - especially from his wartime experiences - but as with so many of his generation, he was so modest about his achievements...a sad day when the news came that he had passed away. 

"Desiderata" - Words Worth Remembering

I have a funeral ceremony in Bath next week and the family have chosen the following reading. It has been a while since I've read them so I welcomed the reminder - the words resonated with me, especially in the context of my previous post...

Poem: Desiderata – Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
 As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.


Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant as they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.


If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
 for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.


Reflecting on Life's Achievements

As a funeral celebrant working in Bristol & Bath, I meet the most incredible people. On occasions, 'incredible' because the family is coping with the very worst of times with great strength and courage - I think the most heart-breaking yet inspiring sight I've witnessed is a father bearing his child's coffin into the ceremony - it's impossible not to be deeply moved.