29/07/2023
As a funeral celebrant and radio talk announcer, I have become a sort of expert in empathy. I have spent years honing my listening and communication skills, but it is the quality of empathy that truly sets me apart in my line of work. After all, it is one thing to write an obituary or deliver a eulogy, but to truly understand the grieving process and help guide someone through it takes experience and skill.
My name is Andrew Reimer, and I have been working as a funeral celebrant for almost a decade now. It is a role that requires me to be both adaptable and vigilant, as no two services are ever quite the same. I may be tasked with presiding over a solemn, traditional service one day, and then the next be asked to deliver a humorous, uplifting tribute to a person who lived an unconventional life. Regardless of the type of service I am asked to deliver, however, my goal is always the same: to provide the best possible farewell to the deceased, and to offer comfort and support to those who are still reeling from their loss.
Of course, this is easier said than done. Being a funeral celebrant is a job that requires a lot of out-of-hours work, as well as at times travelling long distances to see next of kin to get details and plan the funeral service. Then there is the writing and ensuring that everything is correct. Names, date of birth, and the general timeline of a person's life are all important details that can't be overlooked. I feel a great deal of responsibility to make sure that everything is perfect, so that the service can truly honour the person who has passed away.
Presentation is also important. I try to make sure that I am always dressed appropriately when I meet with families, and that my general grooming is up to par. For me, this means a tidy suit, a tie, and clean shoes. I always aim to arrive early to services, so that I can sit down with the family and make sure that everything is in place. There can be a lot of last-minute changes, and I want to be there to support the family while also ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
Being a funeral celebrant is not the sort of job that everyone can do. It is a challenging but incredibly rewarding role that requires a unique set of skills. But for me, it is a calling. I feel honoured to be able to help families navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and to offer them a sense of comfort and hope during a time of great loss. It is my way of saying goodbye to those who have passed away, while also helping those who are still here to begin their journey towards healing and acceptance.
