Life Celebrations

I attended the funeral of a dear friend the other day. She was a much-loved member of our community who, at 78, had lived a rich and full life. An avid tennis and bridge player, she felt it her duty to help others and was always involved in caring for those less fortunate. Everyone who knew her was surprised when one balmy evening, as she slept, she tip toed off to meet her maker. This sweet humble lady had touched the lives of so many. The church was full of people like me who wanted to pay our respects and give her a good send off.

Later at the wake, which was held at her family home, the thing that was said the most, apart from what an incredibly kind and wise person the world had lost, was; “If only she could have been here to enjoy the party! She did love a good party!” Which was absolutely true she adored “a good knees up” as she called them. But that shared observation was also quite sad. Because I don’t think she really knew how important she was to everyone in that room and now after she had passed away no-one was ever going to be able to tell her.

Wakes are a very important and necessary way for the friends and family of someone who has departed to pay their respects, grieve and give thanks for that person’s life. But why only celebrate someone after they have gone? Why not celebrate someone’s life while they’re alive and kicking and still here to enjoy the party?

At This Beautiful Life, once a client’s life story documentary is completed, we actively encourage them (or often their children) to throw a party and invite their family and friends over to a screening of their film as a way of celebrating their life journey with the people that have been a part of it. As the films are often given as a birthday present, the birthday party is the perfect time to screen the film.

TBL families say these screenings are incredibly uplifting and joyous affairs that allow people to reflect and reminisce on their shared journey through life together. They also say, without fail, that they learn things about the person they would never have otherwise known.

How amazing it would have been to sit with Judy and her family and friends to watch her fascinating story and toast her fruitful life.