08/12/2023
A v close friend of mine died in her 50s of cancer and her siblings gave her a ‘direct cremation ‘ … selected friends were invited to ‘a large’ drink up some days later, and her ashes were scattered off a boat into the lake ( her wish apparently). But there was NO sense of ceremony, or formal input from friends or colleagues, no proclaiming what she meant to us, or how hard she worked and what she achieved in her career, despite a somewhat sad and unconventional childhood. It’s 6 years ago and I still feel sad about the lack of ceremony, solemnity, or tribute and in National Grief Awareness week, and as a Funeral Celebrant, I’m finally saying it. How you say goodbye to those you love is important !
The blog below by colleague Dinah Liversidge at the Association of Independent Celebrants gives an excellent argument for ceremony. Please read it!
https://www.celebrantcoaching.com/2023/12/05/direct-cremation/
