MY STORY
Why I became a Celebrant
Being able to help people is a source of joy in my life, and I have been helping people - in one way or another - all of my life.
I had never thought about becoming a Celebrant...
until one of my best friends died.
Her name was Pieta.
She was one of the greatest people to ever have graced the Earth and I miss her every day.
I have her name tattooed on my wrist to remind me to make the most of every opportunity, and to never take this life for granted - because she would have given anything to have lived.
Pieta taught me so many valuable life lessons.
You can never understand the impact an individual can have on another and how you really feel about that person -
until they are no longer here.
I learnt this life lesson after Pieta passed.
Time doesn’t heal the loss of someone you love – time only gives you the ability to learn how to live without them.
So, Pieta taught me to tell those close to me how I feel about them every day – in case there were no more tomorrows.
Pieta showed me the meaning of true strength and courage. She never lost her sense of humour or positivity – even when battling an enemy that was always going to win.
I was fortunate to spend time with her during her last weeks of life.
I was there when she died.
I was a pall bearer and spoke at her funeral service.
When I struggled and emotion overwhelmed me, I was reassured by the Celebrant – she placed her hand gently on my back and whispered words of encouragement into my ear.
“You can do this – just breathe”.
At the conclusion of the service, the Celebrant approached me and encouraged me to become a celebrant. I thought the idea was ridiculous and told her so... but then I thought about it.
Maybe I could do this. It can’t hurt to try.
I enrolled in the courses to become a Marriage and Funeral Celebrant online, taking additional units in dealing with and managing grief and trauma.
Over the next few months I completed the course work and applied for registration with the Department of the Attorney General.
My authorisation was granted on what would have been Pieta’s birthday –
the 18th of November 2009.
I worked for the WA State Government for over 25 years, I love working collaboratively with teams of people and in front line customer service roles.
I find people fascinating.
I like to try and understand what drives people – why they do what they do - their behaviours and personalities.
I love to hear people’s life stories; what they experienced, how they overcame adversity and to hear about their accomplishments.
In the years after becoming an Authorised Celebrant, I conducted weddings for family and friends, as well as the occasional funeral service for family and friends.
I have always been curious about death - not in a morbid way - and how people deal with grief
and loss initially and in the longer term.
I knew I always wanted to be involved in the Funeral Industry, felt I could help people by applying the knowledge gained through my own, personal experiences with death, loss and grief, under different and very difficult circumstances.
I always try to see the positive side to life - whatever the situation - but appreciate how difficult it is to maintain a positive outlook when life throws us curve balls.
Life is a series of highs and lows – and it is important to understand and try to maintain a balance.
I think my life and career so far has been an apprenticeship for the work I do now.
I have been working as a Celebrant full time since leaving the employ of the State Government in 2016.
It has been hard work and long hours, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. If it wasn’t a challenge, it wouldn’t be as rewarding as it is.
What I do is a privilege and an honour.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to be involved in special moments in people’s lives.
Thank you for choosing me to be a part of your special day.