INDIA MAY Funeral Celebrant

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INDIA MAY Funeral Celebrant

I work as a Funeral Celebrant, based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Together, we will create a And so eventually that time came.

It’s an incredible feeling when you discover exactly where you are supposed to be in life. There is so much to this story of how I became a Funeral Celebrant, but mostly it all began with my Grandma. It was my Grandma, who ten years ago asked me to lead her funeral service when the time came. I was much younger then and immediately said yes, unaware of the enormous responsibility it would be when the time came. Amongst what felt like unbearable grief, I wrote, organised and delivered a service that I knew she would be immensely proud of. As I stood at her grave, surrounded by my family- there birthed this little idea. To become a Funeral Celebrant. And so, the journey has begun. I have found a career which has brought me so much joy amongst grief. It is a privilege to care for those who are grieving in the most intimate way and to assist them on their grief journey. It is creating personalised, elegant and meaningful services for loved ones which makes my job so fulfilling.

09/10/2025

So honoured to sit down with Michael Phoenix and share about my role as a Funeral Celebrant.

07/09/2025

Father’s Day can ache in ways that words can barely carry.

This piece is for every dad grieving a child, and every child grieving their dad.

I’ve been reading a lot of Donna Ashworth’s poetry lately, especially her reflections on grief. Her ability to weave pain, hope, and love together is deeply moving, and it has inspired me to write. Here is my own Father’s Day poem, offered in honour of the ones we hold forever in our hearts.

Today may feel heavy, because the world is talking of fathers

and yours is too far away,

or gone where you cannot follow.

Or maybe, you are the father with empty arms,

aching for children you cannot hold.

If this is you, please know the love between father and child

is not bound by miles or years or even by death.

It is a thread, invisible, unbreakable,

woven into the very fabric of who you are.

So if your heart hurts today, let it.

It only hurts because it is full of love.

Love with nowhere to land but still love all the same.

And that love matters. It makes you a father,

it makes them your child, forever.

You are seen. You are remembered. You are not alone.

10/05/2025

To those whose hearts ache with grief today, please know that we see you, we honour you, and we hold you close in our thoughts.

For those who yearn for the touch of a baby, the laughter of a child, the wisdom of a mother or grandmother, or the dreams of what might have been, your longing is felt deeply.

To the children whose hearts carry the weight of separation from their mothers, whether by kilometres, by words unspoken, or by the finality of death, your love and your pain are acknowledged.

And to the mothers whose deepest wish is to hold a child in their arms, we honour your yearning and your strength.

Today, may we make space for both the light of joy and the quiet presence of mourning. And to each and every one of you who carries sorrow in your heart, we honour you, today and always. 😘

14/03/2025

IF YOU NEED A REALLY GOOD LAUGH

I am currently working on a loved one’s service, but while I have a quick break, I wanted, in fact needed to share this funny story that happened to me this week. The family and friends I have told since have absolutely lost it laughing.

As a full-time funeral celebrant, I often see the full range of people's emotions as they are grieving. I see the floods of tears, the stoic silences and the sudden, unexpected bursts of laughter when a memory is shared. But even in my 7th year of being a funeral celebrant nothing prepared me for the Great Bee Bite.

There I was, a picture of serene composure, leading a lovely family through a burial service. I was on my knees on the grass, carefully selecting the roses to hand out to family members for their final moment of farewell. As I was delicately navigating the thorny stems, I felt it. A sharp, stinging sensation, not on my hands, as one might expect, but… well, let us just say it was in a region usually reserved for sitting. Yes, a bee had decided to launch an attack on my bottom.

My inner monologue went from "These roses are so beautiful," to a silent, but very loud, "OH MY GOSH, A BEE IS STABBING MY BUM!"
But being the professional I am, I did what any sane person would do: absolutely nothing. I gritted my teeth, plastered on a smile and continued handing out roses. Meanwhile, my brain was screaming, "I CAN STILL FEEL THE STINGER!”
I managed to keep it together and handed out every last rose, offered a heartfelt condolence, and then, with an almighty run, I made a dash for the nearest cemetery toilet.
The later "operation stinger extraction" was filled with plenty of yelps as I desperately tried to twist around and use a credit card to scrape the stinger out (never squeeze – it just releases more poison!) The moment the stinger came out, I was instantly relieved.

So, please, have a good chuckle at my expense. We all need a laugh, especially when grief feels overwhelming. And remember, even in the most solemn of moments, life has a way of reminding us that we’re all human, vulnerable, and capable of finding humour in the most unexpected places. And truly, in remembering the funny, we remember the person we are there to honour, for all of life, light and dark.

And my family who I was looking after that day, were none the wiser- until perhaps now!

26/02/2025

It’s been a while since I’ve shared my thoughts here, and I’ve missed it. I haven’t been silent out of reluctance, but because I’ve been searching for the right words—words that carry meaning and can bring comfort, strength, and a glimmer of hope to those who are navigating the depths of profound loss.

As a funeral celebrant, I often find myself stepping onto sacred ground, a space filled with cherished memories and deep love, yet also marked by unimaginable grief. Each time I sit with families, I am acutely aware of the heartache they are experiencing. It’s impossible not to feel the weight of their pain, the sadness that envelops them.

I truly believe that as human beings, we are designed to bring comfort to one another, in whatever way we can. This might mean offering practical help, like cooking meals or driving kids to activities, or it could be providing emotional support through a listening ear and the strength that comes from having travelled the path of grief ourselves. We are called to be there for one another, to offer what we have, trusting that it is enough to meet others in their time of sorrow.

It’s important to remember that we are not here to fix or heal grief; rather, we are here to care. To simply show up, to listen, to hold space for those who are hurting. It’s in these small, yet profound acts of kindness that we can make a difference. ❤️

Picture: A friend’s sweet gesture of care

23/12/2024

As we settle into our first Christmas as a family of five, clad in our pjs and surrounded by mountains of laundry and bottles of disinfectant, I can’t help but feel a heavy sadness weighing on my heart. This year, we’ve received a gift no one ever wishes for— the unwelcome arrival of gastro. Our hopes of laughter and togetherness are overshadowed by the reality of staying home, missing out on cherished moments with family, the joy of unwrapping presents, and the magical wonder of twinkling Christmas lights that usually spark excitement in our children’s eyes.

It’s hard not to wallow in self-pity as we navigate this unexpected challenge. Yet, like all things, this too shall pass, and we will eventually reclaim our normal lives. But what lingers far longer is the profound grief that comes when a loved one is missing during the holidays. The empty chair at the table serves as a poignant reminder of their absence—no warm hugs, no sweet kisses, and none of their lovingly prepared dishes to share.

As our little family sits together, reflecting on the miraculous birth of Jesus, I want to take a moment to encourage you to hold close in your hearts those friends and family members who are facing their own pain this Christmas. For many, this season can be unbearably heavy, filled with reminders of what they have lost. Reach out with kindness, offer a listening ear, or simply share your love. Your compassion can make a world of difference, especially for those who feel the weight of sorrow amidst the celebrations. Let us all be a light for one another, embracing both the joy of the season and the tenderness of our shared humanity.

08/11/2024

Grief, a gentle thief, steals moments of joy. Yet, love, a steadfast flame, burns bright within us. As we navigate the labyrinth of loss, let us gather tonight to honour the souls who've departed. All are welcome to this evening of remembrance.

P.S - no need to RSVP, just come along

14/10/2024

Grief is a journey, not a destination. It's a winding path filled with unexpected turns, steep climbs, and moments of unexpected peace. It's a place where we face our deepest fears, our greatest loves, and the raw reality of loss.

As a Funeral Celebrant, I've walked alongside countless people on this journey. I've witnessed the pain, the anger, the longing, and the hope. I've seen the strength that emerges from the ashes of sorrow.

Grief is a testament to the depth of our love. It's a reminder that we are interconnected, that our lives touch each other in profound ways. It's a gift, albeit a painful one, that forces us to slow down, to appreciate the preciousness of life.

As the poet Rumi wrote, 'Your grief is a messenger. Listen to its message.'

Let us honour those we've lost by embracing our grief, by allowing ourselves to feel it fully, without judgment or shame. And let us find solace in the knowledge that our love for them endures, a testament to the beauty and fragility of life.

14/01/2024

In the depths of our memories, we find solace and comfort. But as time goes on, we yearn for more than just memories to sustain us. We long to give our loved ones a place in our present and future, to keep their spirit alive in our daily lives.

Lately, I've found myself pausing in a moment, realizing that I'm doing something my grandma taught me. It's a beautiful reminder that she lives on through the lessons she imparted to me. It's not just a memory, but a living connection that guides me in the present.

After our loved ones pass, we need more than memories to carry us. We need to embrace their teachings, their values, and their love. We need to find them in the present, in every action we take and every decision we make.

Let us not look for you in memory, where we would grow lonely without you. Instead, let us find you in presence, in every heart that loves you. May you continue to inspire us, guide us, and remind us of the incredible impact you had on our lives.

As we navigate this journey of life, let's carry our loved ones with us, weaving their essence into our own stories. Let's honor their legacy by living each day with purpose, kindness, and love. And in doing so, we create a future where they are forever present.

Address

Telephone

+61401206404

Website

http://www.indiamayfuneralcelebrant.com/, https://www.afcc.com.au/celebrant/india-may/

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Where it all began...

It’s an incredible feeling when you discover exactly where you are supposed to be in life. There is so much to this story of how I became a Funeral Celebrant, but mostly it all began with my Grandma. It was my Grandma, who ten years ago asked me to lead her funeral service when the time came. I was much younger then and immediately said yes, unaware of the enormous responsibility it would be when the time came. And so eventually that time came. Amongst what felt like unbearable grief, I wrote, organised and delivered a service that I knew she would be immensely proud of. As I stood at her grave, surrounded by my family- there birthed this little idea. To become a Funeral Celebrant. And so, the journey has begun. I have found a career which has brought me so much joy amongst grief. It is a privilege to care for those who are grieving in the most intimate way and to assist them on their grieving journey. It is creating personalised, elegant and meaningful services for loved ones which makes my job so fulfilling.