Christenings,
Name Ceremonies,
Blessings
and
Celebrations of Life
What fun to create a playful and meaningful celebration for a beloved child.
I performed this ceremony so many years ago for dear friends celebrating the gift of their son.
What they had to say:
“We are so blessed to have had Hannelore perform our son’s Baptism.
The ceremony included sacred rituals from many cultures which is important to us. We believe we are all One. The day was a celebration of Braden, his light, his love and it was fun!
With gratitude and love,
Shawna, John and Braden.”
Celebrations of Life,
Memorials and Interment
Over the years, I’ve officiated many Memorials and Celebrations of Life for family, dear friends and their loved ones as well as other individuals. I am deeply honored to be the family minister, having officiated my Mom and Dad’s ceremonies, as well for my aunt, uncle, and three cousins.
A personal story to share with you.
Wow! Rosalyn you are really ‘out’ there!
The TV channel just changed and I was nowhere near the remote!
Watching TV, I was putting off a challenging assignment. It was the second year of my studies as an Interfaith Minister. I was to complete a Minister`s Manual, created to officiate and celebrate various life events. One ceremony remained.
My very dear friend Rosalyn unexpectedly passed away and I was feeling the pain of loss. Her family asked me to perform her Ceremony and to give her Eulogy. A memorial service/celebration of life was the one ceremony needed to complete my Minister’s Manual.
So there I was, procrastinating and watching a documentary on TV. Mid-show the channel suddenly changed. I glanced at the remote which lay on the coffee table and noted my cats were nowhere near it. Staring back at the TV, I used the remote to switch back to my channel. A moment later the channel changed independently yet again. Once more, I turned it back to my program. Immediately, the TV turned off! Images of my supportive, loving friend filled my head. I thought, “Okay Rosalyn, I get it!”
Reminiscing about our times together, through tears and laughter, Rosalyn’s eulogy and celebration of life were written. That night as part of my nightly ritual and meditation, I cozied up in my lounge chair on the balcony and gazed up at the night sky. It was clear with especially bright stars. After several minutes and a prayer of gratitude, I thought, “Wow Rosalyn, you are really out there! It would be great if you could give me some kind of sign...” Before I even completed the thought, a ‘falling’ star appeared. It did not shoot across the sky but the star very slowly dropped downwards, like a flare falling in a straight line.
A few minutes after the star faded, I thought, “Thank you Rosalyn, I know that was a great sign, it is just that I would really like some proof that you still exist.” Again, before completing that thought, one of the stars directly in my line of sight grew larger and larger, into a massive bright Sun and then it slowly diminished and disappeared.
Awestruck, yet still not satisfied, I thought, “Wow, I so appreciate that those were spectacular signs and I thank you! I guess I want to be able to ‘see’ your Spirit, your essence standing right here!” Go figure!
While performing Rosalyn’s service, I recounted my experiences with the stars. Her children and family members were profoundly grateful. Those were the messages they needed to hear to bring them solace.
Regularly I spend time star gazing, never again witnessing anything like the display during that very special night. Thank you Rosalyn!