“Rather than mourn the absence of the flame, let us celebrate how brightly it glowed.”
At any point in our process of dying we can require support. Support can come in any number of ways. It can be, not only for the one dying, but also for those gathered to say good bye or those who are working with their grieving. Below I explain just a few of the support services I provide. As in much of life, this list is a starting point that can lead to a bigger conversation. Please feel free to email or call me any time to discuss further. - Allyson
- conducting a life review
(Dignity therapy) -
Writing a life review can be the first step to reconnecting to our lives well lived. Creating a life review is an opportunity to voice ones journey and can be a chance to create a renewed connection with yourself, gain perspective on your life and serve to wrap up loose ends, to pass on important lessons, and to capture a unique time in history.
By asking key questions and recording these conversations on two or three different visits a transcript or statement will be created to pass along personal stories in a reflective document.
- keeping vigil at the death bed -
Holding vigil is about being present for an individual who is in the process of dying. Offering of respite for family member, spouse, partner, or loved one. Attending in silence or through music, reading, sharing of stories, to laugh with, and cry in front of without judgement.
I will help create a space that is peaceful, safe and calming, whatever is most important to you. This may include soothing aromas, sounds, objects that are meaningful.
- Planning a Memorial -
I can assist in planning a traditional or not so traditional Memorial Service. These services often take place after the body has been buried or cremated. A memorial can have people saying prayers, reading poetry, delivering eulogies, reading passages from scripture or literature, or singing songs.
Working with the family I can offer to assist in the writing of an obituary. If requested I will also deliver a eulogy and lead a memorial service should it be too difficult for the family.
- good grief club -
Because grief comes in many forms - the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or even the collective weight of climate change and political unrest and because grief too often feels isolating, the Good Grief Club was formed. This club offers a welcoming space to gather, share, and process grief together.
The Good Grief Club runs under the auspices of CreativeMornings Winnipeg. CreativeMornings Winnipeg is the local chapter of CreativeMornings which is the world’s largest creative community; hosting local chapter events in cities around the world.
Allyson is the host of the Good Grief Club. We meet monthly from January to June and September to November. We meet at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg at 603 Wellington Crescent on the third Tuesdays of each month from 5pm to 7pm.
“Those we love can never be more than a thought away… for as long as there’s a memory they live in our hearts to stay. ”