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Over the past couple of years I have lost a few friends and family, and it occurred to me that as well as everyone simply coming to your funeral, you should be able to hear what your friends and Loved Ones really think of you...whilst you are still able! It is unfortunate, but cancer and illness is striking us younger and younger, and we are often left in a place of hospitals, specialists, drips, chemo, drugs and left with a feeling of helplessness, not in control of our own lives. We can become very socially isolated with ill health, and the road ahead can be long, and lonely, no matter how many family members may visit. My Living Wake gives you the ability to really share your own life story and to appreciate how others may feel about you, with their own stories of being with you.
Attending a funeral recently, I was surprised that the eulogy was so short, delivered by a prickly relative who didn't really know or understand the person; didn't understand or take the energy to comprehend that the elderly man lived such an interesting life.
If only he had written his own eulogy! He deserved better.
We didn't find out until later just what a wonderful life he had lived, and the experience helped me decide to create this site. I hope it enable others to celebrate their own life and to enjoy hearing what others felt about them. Yes, there will be tears, of course, but there will also be happy times and much laughter and reflecting.
We live our lives these days in a public way, indeed you are reading this on the internet, home of Facebook, MySpace and Youtube. We all want our 15 minutes of fame, and why not? As humans, we need to feel loved and validated, we need to be cherished and remembered. It is also a time for you to perhaps share and distribute personally, items you may have left your family in your Will. It can be a happy, joyous time.
It also creates an relaxed environment for you to tell your family exactly what you want in your funeral, what your expectations are, choosing your own music and so on.
As we get older it is part of life to bear witness to the passing
of our parents, family members and dear friends. It often has a profound affect
on those who are living and during these times a certain moment, a special
re-union of people or just the occasion can be revered but lost in the sadness
of the time. There are some things remembered and talked about and shared, but many times they are lost.
Often I
have observed a scene and held it, wishing to be able to re-call it forever,
but in the
rush of our everyday life, it fades.
My Living Wake© could be the occasion, a get together, a party, a celebration of life where everyone can embrace the life a loved one or friend with them.
Combining my passion for photography and my intuitive sense of capturing such moments by celebrating life at a more joyous occasion, and to honour their life and our joy of being part of their life - we are but here for a split second and time passes so quickly - let's celebrate.
Yes, I thought this is a wonderful thing to do. It's an opportunity to publicly (or privately) honour your Loved One.
My Living Wake© can help you on your own private journey, and give your family and friends a sense of shared grief and companionship, as well as much needed laughter, happiness and great memories.
Far from being ghoulish, My Living Wake© is a time to laugh and cry, remember and hold, cherish and love.
The best answer, is wherever is comfortable for you. It might be on the beach, a private room in a restaurant, in your own home, or anywhere you feel that's best for you. It doesn't have to be large either, perhaps a beautiful dinner setting, a park bbq, a small movie theatre watching images of your life, followed by cocktails and chat.
Not to me? On the contrary, it's a celebration, and let's face it, you are worth it. Your Wake can be as funny or as spiritual as you want. Indeed, using humour is often a great release of emotions, and a time for your family and friends (who may have been supporting you through your journey) to be able to 'let off some steam' and enjoy your marvellous qualities. *wink
Patty Beecham is a wife, mother of two, community activist, broadcaster, writer, story teller, thinker, ideas person, communicator, and a do-it-now-girl, who loves to help facilitate people's life events.
Using my own life experience, I can help you in yours. My dad was an Anglican priest, so I grew up in a very loving, embracing household, where it's second nature to step forward and help people. It's just how I am, and I love it, what a privilege for me to be involved in such a journey with you.
I consider it an honour to be able to help and assist people in their time of grief or celebration, to keep their precious memories safe....on the other hand I can sort out and organise one heck of a party your guests including yourself, will talk about for months to come.
Books, movies, you name it and I will create it. Creative, sensitive, willing and able, let me help you at this special time.
Anytime! We are all going to fall off this magnificent planet of ours eventually, so when you are ready to enjoy your achievements and friends, let me know! :)
Yes, yes, and yes! I can help you write what you want to say, what you NEED to say to your family, your friends and Loved Ones.
I can videotape your own words, written and spoken by you and arrange to have the DVD played at the funeral, or at your own wake.
I am aware other sites that encourage you to be spiteful and to have the 'last word' - but this is not like that at all, in fact, quite the opposite. Who wants a nasty, mean message to leave a sour taste in people mouths? Not me. Your last words are the ones your Loved Ones will remember.
Your eulogy can be as long, or as short as you want. It's up to you, of course. If you want, I can also insert special photographs, and use your own music.
Your own eulogy can also be uploaded to Youtube, or a private viewing over the internet.
No, this is not the place for that. See your solicitor.
Absolutely, I have also created DVD's and events via webcam/phone/mobile/email and special websites, it's not a problem at all. On the other hand, it's a great excuse for me to come to you and help you through the process. Your eulogy and photos of your Living Wake can also be uploaded to the net.
How long is a piece of string? Let's see what your needs are first, prices vary but are very reasonable.
I
am discreet and experienced, and I love what I do.
