Firstly I want to thank everyone for their lovely comments on the 2 pieces I wrote yesterday.
I am out of poetry right this minute (that may well change within the next few though) so it’s chat time.
I conducted my 8th Service this afternoon, a beautiful family and the smallest gathering I have spoken to so far, 20 people.
After my rather stressful afternoon yesterday, I woke up grumpy, tired and on edge. Unfortunately the job that I do, requires complete focus on the family and their feelings, so game face was required.
As I walked up to present to the deceased, my breathing was shallow, trying to slow down, then to the lectern, where my book was set up ready to read.
In the first few minutes, as with the other Services, I seem to rush a little in the beginning, then find my pace. The complete service went for 45 minutes, normally they are an hour, so 15 minutes may not sound like a lot, but to me it makes such a difference in the reading.
There were no photographs set on the catafalque, only flowers.
The family had a viewing first, where they popped in photos of the family for her journey. I walked over and put my hand on her shoulder and hoped I’d do her proud.
They didn’t have a photo DVD, just her favourite song, Close to you by the Carpenters, which I asked if anyone wanted to sing along, to do so. Some did and it was lovely.
The husband came up and hugged me again as he did when I arrived, the three sons said it was beautiful as did two others, so I was happy that I could forget my inner troubles and focus on what was required.
Now I contemplate a new path by looking to online study to become a Marriage Celebrant as well. The course can take up to 7 months as there are many legal requirements. My decision is needed by tomorrow morning. I just hope if I tackle this, that I am able to conduct weddings as soon as possible otherwise I’ll be the only M.C hobbling in on a walker.
Ramblings From A Mum 
Congratulations Jenny so happy for you that it all went so well. Marriage celebrant will give you more options.
Thank you Michael, it’s like returning to school..and I wasn’t the best pupil, but I may just give it a shot, another iron in the fire….as we say.
I think becoming a Marriage Celebrant would be awesome!
Thank you precious, a little scared but if I don’t try now, I’ll never have the courage. x
You’d be great as an MC. Awesome choice for a course. Lots of happiness and nice frocks 🙂
Now I’m scared, didn’t think about that, oh dear frocks …well the brides and party yes, me erm..please let me stay away from lace! xx thank you hun.
You would be fantastic as a marriage celebrant. Do it. You have a gift and way with words. Empathy
Thank you so much Aud, I think all this encouragement is going to tip the scales for me. Hugs xx
That’s great Jen. You’ll handle it just fine!
Thank you Trace … Onward and upward, worst I can do is fail right.. 🙂 xx
But you won’t. 🙂
Hug 🙂
Go for it J, I bet you’ll be great at it.
Smile – now I need to get the confidence that everyone else seems to have in me – thank you R.
Welcome. You can do it easy.
Awww thank you.
It sounds like these are things you are meant to do. I wish you luck with what appears to be your next step!!! 🙂
Thank you Colleen – at least it would make interesting posts..possibly 😉 x
I am thinking you are right! 🙂
Hi! After a while from me, ha ha! I’m glad to see that your life is going so well and things are looking so promising. That’s so important! I’m smiling for you, poetry or not.
I don’t mind sweetheart, I’m happy to see you at anytime 🙂 I appreciate your kindness and I thank you xx
I think that both your job and that of a marriage celebrant require the same skills and I can only imagine that you would make a brilliant marriage celebrant. Obviously I have no idea how it works over there, but I think that the seven months would be well worth it and then you get to see both ends of the spectrum. What an awesome gift that would be. Good luck with whatever you decide Jenny. 🙂
Thank you Jade, yes to see life starting off on a path and see the journeys end..hadn’t really thought about it that way. Thank you for your confidence in me and hopefully I’ll sleep tonight knowing what I plan to do in the morning. 🙂
I think you would make a wonderful Marriage Celebrant. as well! To conduct a legal marriage ceremony in my state it only takes a few minutes of registering online with the Universal Church of Life and then filing your proof of ordainment with the state. My youngest daughter, who is a beautiful public speaker, did this last summer so she could conduct my oldest daughter’s wedding ceremony. She’s recently obtained a business license so she can officiate for others as a side job. I’ve helped her to write a variety of ceremonies, and ceremony options, and she’s already booked for three spring weddings. I can imagine the gorgeous ceremonies that you’ll create with your lovely way with words!
Goodness that surprised me only taking a few minutes – I wish it was like that here! How wonderful that you are able to get involved and write for her too. I wish her well and three wedding lined up is good going 🙂 Thank you for your faith in me, I hope I can 🙂 x
You’ll be great! The longest part of getting approved here is waiting for your paperwork to get back from the state. You’re probably getting better training though. Do you learn how to counsel the couples before the ceremony?
I’m not quite sure possibly, I will have to check into that more closely! 🙂
You did a great job. Some things demand we be 100% present and you seemed to settle into it once you got started. Marriages will certainly be more fun. 🙂
Thank you Jackie, when I first read your comment, I thought – heavens were you there! As long as I don’t get Bridezillars …I hope so too 🙂
That’s funny! I passed by that channel once and thought, ‘Who would marry someone like that?’ Marriage is scary enough without all the drama. 😉
So so true! Yes some of them are banshees! 🙂
Hello darling, I was getting on to email you, better late than never … then I saw this post. First of all I think you will make a perfect marriage celebrant. Your gift with creating words that explore all these human conditions, how you swirl them around sweetly, so we feel exactly what you want us to – sheer talent I say.
In death and in life, there is much to celebrate, though not all may look at it that way. You do my sweet, because in conducting funeral services, you watch death from a different perspective.
Seven months will fly by as you immerse yourself in the course work. What a beautiful journey in the end; Celebrating marriages( the beginning of a journey) and celebrating death – the end of a journey. Amazing!
xxxx
Hello Gorgeous. Your confidence in my ability overwhelms me and I am so grateful for your support and encouragement. Yes 7 months … though if I put my head down I may be able to finish sooner. Mock Video wedding again, that will be interesting as to who I will choose to do that! Thank you – from my heart for just being you xxxx
I think that would complement your gifts so well. Go for it, I say! 🙂 x
Thank you – I have just spoken to them and booked it in, will be a little while before I receive the on line course. Shaking in boots… 🙂 x
I’m so glad you’re going for it. You can bring all your humour and love to bear in poems for newly weds. A lovely balance for you it will be between those embarking on new life and those whose lives have been changed by loss. You will rock at it. 🙂 x
Aren’t you a wonder. A marriage celebrant too? You are such a giving person. Good luck to you. I’m sure you make the decision when feels right for you. 🙂
I don’t know about wonder, but for once in my life I want to try and ‘accomplish’ something, adding Marriages to my Resume (as such) may help – thank you Tess 🙂 x
You sound like the perfect candidate. Have you decided yet? No need to say, just wanting to boost you up.
Boosting is good, I spoke to the lady on Friday, it is a great deal of study..I am deciding whether this old brain can cope with it..and will let her know on Tuesday. It’s kinds scary, you know..when you are older, contemplating something new…:-(
A marriage celebrant would be a lovely balance, Jen! Great idea 😀
Let’s hope I can get into it..and not mix up the two on the day! 🙂
I remember when my niece got married and my mother accidentally called it the funeral instead of the wedding and was completely embarrassed all day 😯
Well to some it probably is 🙂 bless her cotton socks xx
even with all of your own emotions and challenges you manage to rise to the occasion for the loved ones of those who’ve passed. sometimes it helps us to helps others. i think the marriage celebrant idea is a good one, if not too much on your plate. this seems to be your destiny, helping people with their passages in and out of life.
Hopefully it won’t be a juggling act, if and when I complete and get asked to conduct one. How beautifully you put your words, thank you so very much lovely. xxx
What a great idea. I think you would make a wonderful marriage celebrant.:)
Thank you lovely, I hope so! 🙂 xxx
nice…i am glad that it went well for you jenny…
and that you got a good response…
smiles. hey a marriage consultant would be a cool gig.
done a few marriages as well…and some pretty fun ones too
Ello my friend, thank you so much. Yes hopefully, though I am shaking in my boots/flip flops a bit already at the thought of the course. 🙂
Yes! Yes! Yes! And yes, you can do it!!! 🙂 I’m absolutely delighted that you’ve decided to take this on – you’ll be fantastic. 🙂 🙂
Hugs and xxxx and thank you and PS – just emailed 🙂 xxx
Glad it went well… and I guess it would be interesting for you to become a marriage celebrant as well because it is evident from your experiences, that you have shared, that you work really well with people. 🙂
I can only hope that I am capable anmol, thank you for popping in, I so loved your last entry for DVerse btw.
Glad that work can solve your inner turmoil and hope you opt to do the MC training. You’ll make a great marriage celebrant and brighten every couple’s special day!
Hugs for your loveliness, I need to keep busy, studying will be tough as I haven’t really had to for many..many years..it will seem strange 🙂 x
Onwards and upwards I am proud of you!
How kind thank you darling, will have one last look at what is required, work out if I think I’m capable of doing and make the call..I am hoping I won’t be too scared off! 🙂 xxx
Oh yes! Marriage celebrant is perfect, you’d be beautiful at that as well! 🙂 xo
Hmmm tomorrow is D Day to let her know…. but thank you gorgeous 🙂 xx