Lockdown was certainly a challenge and was particularly difficult and distressing for those of us that lost loved ones. Mandy’s Mum and Dad both passed in this time. Her mother in November 2020 and her father the following March. Her parents had opted for a direct cremation. Mandy felt the need to commemorate her parents in some way which would serve as fitting tribute to them and a space for her, her husband and children to channel their grief and express their sentiments. She decided on two simple memorial services in her local Church of England church led by her Vicar and myself. 

For the services, I wrote some personalised poetry for both of Mandy's parents which depicted their unique characters, passions, love and values. I also shared some pieces of music in the service. The children participated by lighting candles and placing them in sand near the pictures of their grandparents. Afterwards they laid some brightly painted stones in a sunny spot in the church graveyard by an oak tree in remembrance. It was sincere, dignified, beautiful and memorable.

For me, it was privilege and an honour to be of service to Mandy and her family at this time of great loss and bereavement.

Mandy wrote this Facebook review afterwards 'Mum and Dad did not want a traditional funeral in church so to aid us as a family we had a memorial service which Mary was a key part of. Her personalised poems especially written for Mum and Dad were really appreciated. I would highly recommend Mary for any celebration of life service.'