01/02/2026
As many of you know, I often share reviews here, and sometimes photos of little gifts I’ve been given along the way. It’s never about boasting. This can be a hard profession to advertise or talk about, those moments of kindness mean a great deal to me and it gives the outside world an insight to what people think of who I am the service I provide.
Friday of last week was different. I was asked to officiate at the service of a dear friend. It’s something I’ve done before, but it never gets any easier when it’s someone you’re close to. It’s heartbreaking yet such an honour, and incredibly humbling. That’s why I’m making this post today. Because over the course of that week, I was surrounded by so much kindness that I honestly felt held up by it.
The night before the service, my own daughter gave me a little bag of thoughtful treats and the most beautiful card. Friends I met for lunch that week brought me a small gift to carry with me for strength — a robin on a stone, which meant more than they probably realised. After the service, I was given gifts by friends of my friend Ann and also by her lovely sons. I was overwhelmed.
Another dear friend spent a day with me at a spa, the very same one I’d taken Ann to not long ago. That time together, just talking and simply being, helped me more than I can ever explain.
Then yesterday there were flowers, unexpected phone calls, and messages from people checking in and sending love. And then, to top it all off, the man I’m always teasing for not being the romantic type, my husband Paul, surprised me by having flowers delivered while he was out on Saturday afternoon. Words cannot explain.
Many of those beautiful gifts are in the photo below — small, thoughtful things, each one given with love. Alongside this post is another song from Friday’s service. It’s a poignant song, and it holds even deeper meaning for me now, with it having played at my friend’s service. So much love and support was shown to me, and I also want to say thank you to the people who supported me on the day itself.
The chapel attendant showed such care and understanding. Being outside to bow my friend in was incredibly important to me, and she waited patiently while we sorted the music and gathered ourselves. Her quiet support and the beautiful feedback she shared afterwards truly touched me.
The funeral home team I worked alongside were just as compassionate. From the beginning, I was honest about how difficult this would be for me, walking it both as a celebrant and a friend, and every single person showed such kindness and care, even down to giving me a short time on my own to say goodbye, which is something that will stay with me for a very long time.
I’m sharing all this,and I know it’s a long post, simply to say thank you. For when I stand at the lectern, I never truly stand there alone. I carry the people who quietly support and encourage me. Last week especially, that love carried me through more than anyone will ever know.
So this is a heartfelt thank you for the kindness, the care, and the constant belief in me. It makes such a difference, always and on Friday in ways difficult, even for me to put into words.
As I said to my Funeral Director - two words used often ‘Thank You’ - I mean them though from the bottom of my heart 💜
