In the past couple months Paper Passionista has had the opportunity to attend four Celebration of Life events. Each was very different from the other, but had one thing in common - they truly celebrated the individuality and personality of the individual for whom the event was held. The one we attended this weekend had something even more unique about it. The "honoree" has not yet passed away, but having been diagnosed with a terminal illness and a very short survival expected, her family decided to host an event where all of her friends could come and celebrate her and "share the love" while she could be present to share and say good bye.
Paper Passionista is contacted frequently to prepare Celebration of Life programs for these events so we get to see different approaches to these special tributes. What I am so impressed with is the way families and friends are taking what could be a sad event and turning it into something truly celebratory. Yes, the loss of a loved one is sad, and there are tears frequently shed at these events, but there are also many laughs shared and that is so healing!
A couple of the programs Paper Passionista has prepared for Celebration of Life events
Something frequently happening with these events (except for the one where the honoree has not yet passed) is a little more time, sometimes a month or more, is allowed between the actual death and when the celebration occurs. This affords the luxury of reflection and planning, gathering memorabilia, and for those from out of town the ability to plan and book travel. Also, the family members have a little more time to gather their thoughts and plan what would best represent their loved one.
A flyer prepared with details of an upcoming Celebration of Life, emailed to potential attendees helps for planning and travel.
Examples of things seen that reflect the personality of the individual being remembered:
* Hula dancers and an Elvis impersonator
* A biplane collector, pilot and race team member whose large race team was seated together in their team shirts and jackets
* For a gardening enthusiast, single stemmed roses sent home with each attendee
* Attendees sharing a toast with the honoree's favorite "spirit", or savoring their favorite sweet treat
* Photo montages displayed of the life of the celebrated
* Collections of photos of the remembered individual displayed at each of the tables during the reception, with guests invited to take home their favorite photo
Photo I chose to take home remembering my high school friend, Tommy Sumi, as Elvis
Losing loved ones is, unfortunately, part of life's cycle but preparing a memorable commemoration is something that can now be done with flare, and dare I say it, fun! We have come away from the events we've attended with such great memories, and feeling these really represented the "celebrated one" in style.
