Honouring A Journey To Dreamtime

Earlier this winter I had the honour and privilege of conducting a ‘Celebration of Life’ for a much-loved Indigenous mother, grandmother and respected Elder within Waliwan and Wiradjuri communities.  

Both Caryn from Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services and I met with the lady’s children, and as we sat on the back deck we heard of their mother’s story. Her son eagerly wanted to ensure that his Holden was used as the hearse because he wanted to take his mum for one last ride.

The ceremony began as a motorbike escorted the son’s car to the entrance of the chapel; The Aboriginal flag swayed proudly behind the car.

The smoking ceremony began and as we were all cleansed with the smoke, the didgeridoo player began his ritual. Silence fell as we watched her coffin being taken out from her son’s car and her family waiting to walk her in for her last journey.

Her coffin, draped with the Aboriginal flag and native flora, was accompanied by her favourite flowers: roses.

I spoke of her journey, I spoke of her Totem, the Kookaburra, and her connection to the land. Her children recalled fond memories and her grandchildren spoke of their love for their grandmother.

Then, as Cold Chisel played, the curtains slowly closed and the final goodbyes were given in the chapel. We all gathered outside and her three children released three doves in her memory. As the late afternoon sun shone, bubbles were blown into the air and I read a poem.

We farewelled her for the last time, outdoors, reconnecting to the land.

For each family, the journey is unique, and how they choose to farewell is important. Each family wants to honour their loved ones in the most fitting way possible. My job as the celebrant is to listen, prepare and guide the ceremony, and work with the funeral directors for all of us to ensure that we make the process as easy as possible in saying their final goodbyes.

I am always grateful for the trust that is placed in me by the families and funeral directors to assist at such a difficult time. Their trust in what I do as a Celebrant is the backbone of my services. It is not just a job for me, but a passion that I convey with every word I write and every word I say. Not a single service has left me untouched, and I carry these stories with me every day.