JULIAN BAMFORD
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My Blog - Words of the Heart
My Blog - Words of the Heart
Blog
Thank you in a cup of tea...
| Posted on 22 February, 2017 at 22:58 |
In this unique and
amazing role as a Funeral Celebrant - where work is ever fascinating, often times challenging,
and always rewarding and valued - gratitude appears in countless ways. In life like in all kinds of work, thank you... is a gift. Sometimes with a warm handshake or a hug, at others a brief written note - the deeper message of personal appreciation is carried between the lines, nothing more need be
said. Mostly
though it is unspoken – warm appreciation expressed through a glimmer of the
eyes, a small nod, a gentle smile over a sandwich and a refreshing cup of tea. So many names, people, faces among tears, speeches and tributes,
songs laughter and emotions, and for you each week it is so many more.  It is always a delight to look into the letterbox to see a thank you card or note delivered by the 'Postie' laying in wait in its
envelope - it's message, a warm thank you from the heart. Though now days of course the ‘posts’ arrival
is more often by the inbox with an email, quickly keeping in touch and inter-connecting us all. “I wanted to
touch base with you and thank you so much for everything yesterday. I got
so overwhelmed with people chatting to me that I did not manage to acknowledge
you, for that I apologise. You captured Dad’s life and story so beautifully. It
was soft yet powerful J.” Thinking of each service, each family, each passing, and glancing
through messages received over these seven years to now, among them quite
recently - the joyful gathering of family and friends for a Memorial held at
Wattle Park Chalet in January – with 150 people plus and 35 degrees in the
shade and every chair taken it was standing room only, with a group photo at
the end to remember the celebration. A mother, a dear friend, a partner, daughter, loving wife, a
husband of decades, only son, our gran, pa, a favourite aunt, a colleague, an
old mate, a lifelong friend. Gone. Each family’s message prompting awareness of what we do and
the knowledge of having made a small yet important and palpable difference.  “It was truly
amazing, and the way you weaved everything together was brilliant. Your warmth and compassion
were clearly evident... ...but so too was your sense of humour and you certainly “fitted the
family mould” beautifully. Robbie would
have loved you!!” Sometimes the words come with much pathos, at others brief,
succinct….hard to write, but pleased to send. “…just wanted
to send a short note to thank you again.” While from time to time there is a sense of relief carried on
the page through humour and observation. “…never seen so
many young and older men rush to be pall bearers – should’ve got an 8 handle!!
…. ...it was the best service they have ever been to, exactly what she would have
wanted.” On hearing each word spoken or seeing the sentiments penned,
added to the observant feedback of colleagues, brings a new insight into the
deep appreciation and gratitude people have for what we do - messages never
taken for granted - each a timely reminder to take stock and check
how we are traveling. How can one improve, what's needed, what did they hear and see,
what was missed, what went really well…. well done, be right there - every
time, they need us, they’re relying on us all to get them through. "Thank-you
very much for your caring manner in conducting the service for dad
today. our guidance and support was very much needed and
appreciated.... ...sincere gratitude and
thanks." And with each thank you, whether on the day or afterwards, it is
I believe a must to be shared with you - it is after all when the hearse has
gone, and the last cup of tea finished, we pack up things, our work done, our
roles complimentary, tuned to the family and the day. The confidence Conductors and Arrangers place in me again and again - to work with and present services for the families and clients is a precious responsibility and duty. Thank you. “Julian...once again, I would like to thank you
for your participation in Eric's "farewell" service.... I could
not have found anyone who would have suited the occasion better. Scott
was right saying he fits people to people, I am glad he chose you.”  These past few months - as things inevitably change, flat
out one week less so the next - and then it changes again. Such is the
way things are, impermanent and bound to change. The reality of life, death and the uncertainty which
every funeral service and memorial bring to the fore - for which in our roles
be it conductor, arranger, driver or attendant, mortician, celebrant or
minister, graphic artist, tea lady or Florist - we each face directly - these
things are all good teachers. And being the profession we are in it is good to be able to
say ‘g-day' from time to time, to ask how you’re doing, let you know I’m
here, and to say thank you. So keep well, be happy and lets stay in touch, till the next family walks through the door - and the
right fit see's your's and my role, skills and experience coming together once
again, in this amazing work we do helping all who ask for our help to say
farewell. With kind
wishes always.  Julian Julian Bamford Funeral
Celebrant & Master of Ceremonies |
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