Saying Farewell to Those We Love

Book excerpt: Following the success of 'The Funeral Celebrant's Handbook', Barry H Young OAM has been inspired to write a sequel offering an abundance of choices of poems, prose and prayers to assist practising and aspiring funeral celebrants when planning a funeral. Families who wish to actually participate during the ceremony will also find a great depth of choice in this carefully considered volume which, like 'The Funeral Celebrant's Handbook', is also presented in orderly sequential sections (passages), beginning with meaningful, relevant and heartfelt openings through to the Committal and Benediction. Barry Young prefaces each passage with moving words of wisdom about the actual messages or thoughts that the readings following will impart. There are passages suitable for funeral ceremonies for the elderly, middle-aged, teenagers, babies, tragic occurrences, suicides and the lonely; those who cut themselves off from society; those without family and those affected by illnesses and drugs. It provides tributes from husbands and wives, tributes from sons and daughters, grandchildren and those who have served in the forces. Barry H Young OAM has been a member of the Australian Federation of Grief Celebrants since 1998. To hear him present a Farewell or Memorial Service is to be amongst the privileged. Being mindful of grief and the provision of comfort to young and old on his journey as a funeral celebrant, he has seen a need for such a book to assist celebrants to make each ceremony unique and meaningful for the loved ones. This book gives many inspirational choices of readings; it will also become a treasured and relevant handbook for celebrants.