I’ve been writing blogs over the last decade and more. True, most of these have been celebration-related, but I’ve done quite a few for my funeral followers. It’s difficult to be sure, but the amount of effort I put into writing the blogs doesn’t correspond to reach or response. So, although I’m not going to rule out ever writing any more blogs, this will be my last funeral blog for the foreseeable future.

I therefore want to thank those who have read my articles and especially those few who have engaged positively.

I’ve also met some wonderful people in the 13 or years that I have been doing this work. Many will always remain in my memory.

One thing that surprised me when I started this career was the amount of humour that I would encounter. (I guess it’s a necessary way to cope with grief and extreme seriousness, of course, but I didn’t expect it initially.) The greatest clowns (but they knew how to behave and also when they could relax) were the crematorium workers. I particularly value the company of Gary and Chris at Breakspear Crematorium – supportive, professional, but with wicked senses of humour!

I also especially remember the family I went to visit – three siblings and a widow – whose way of coping with my questions was to crack jokes. These were often very funny, and I couldn’t help joining in at times, but the session took a very long time! Eventually, I dragged out the answers I needed so as to put together the Order of Service. On the day, the family had moved on to their next stage of mourning, and cried their hearts out.

I’ve really enjoyed working with bereaved families. That’s not as heartless as it sounds! I often come across them at their lowest ebb. They are confused and in various stages of grief (anger, bewilderment, guilt, etc.). I lead them through the preparations for the funeral and put their minds at ease. That’s very rewarding.

So I shall continue to look forward to helping more families in the future, but without the need to come up with meaningful blogs. I hope you don’t miss them, now they are stopping!

Thank you for your support.