Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need to use your funeral services if I decide to engage you for some end of life work with me around planning for my death and some life story work?

A. No, there is no requirement to use all my services. Some people are ready to talk about their life and the legacy they would like to leave and how they would like to be farewelled but do not require a funeral service for some time to come. Indeed some may be seeking a different type of farewell service eg a religious service. Others are in need of a funeral celebrant right now. For some, the life story work provides a basis for the farewell ceremony but that is certainly not the case for everyone.

Q. I would like to help my father write his story but don’t know where to begin and to be honest I’m finding this very hard. Do other people struggle with this?

A. It is often difficult for us to sit with those closest to us and share our thoughts about life and it can be easier to do this with someone outside the immediate family. Also the reality is that we often lead very busy lives and sometimes we put off these challenges and later regret it. To assist in the process I provide the person with some questions to help us get started and this works very well.

Q. I think it would be very good for my husband to tell his life story as it would mean so much to our children. However his cancer has progressed and he can only concentrate for limited periods. Can the interview time be structured to allow for breaks?

A. Having worked in Palliative Care I am very aware of the health challenges that can impact on people as they attempt to create this very important legacy. The process can be flexible to meet the needs of the individual.

Q. Can the life story be done via phone or is a face to face interview a requirement?

A. The interview can certainly be conducted via phone. With your permission I would record the interview and then transcribe and edit it and email it back to you for proof reading and comment. The final hard copy document can be mailed to you once you have approved it.

Q. I would prefer to meet with you rather than a phone interview or facetime. Do you travel outside Brisbane?

A. I am certainly happy to travel and would just require travel expenses to cover this.

Q. I would love my mother to do a life story so my children could learn more about her and their heritage but her English isn’t very good. Can you help us?

A. I am aware of the importance of recognising different cultures and appreciate the challenges for individuals when English is not their first language. I have worked with interpreters both in creating a life story as well as in officiating at a funeral service.

Q. My dog, Joey is a member of our family and his health is fading. He is an old dog now but I know losing him will be very hard as he is very much a part of our family. When the time comes I think a service to farewell him would be appropriate. Do you do pet funeral services?

A. Yes I do and I fully appreciate how important your dog is in your life. I am an animal lover and from personal experience, understand the gap that the loss of a pet leaves in your family. Farewell ceremonies are about helping us to mourn our loved ones including our 4 legged friends.

“Some people will never understand how much someone can love a dog, but that’s okay the dog knows”

Anon