Raised eyebrows, embarrassed giggles, “What????”, “Good grief…!” are just some of the responses I’ve been given when I tell people of my new venture with Sentiment, which only reinforces the idea that what I’m doing is right; that death is still a taboo area and that this needs to change. Whatever your belief of what happens to us afterwards, whatever culture or religion, we are all united in the fact that we will depart this life at some point.

I love life. I try to see the richness of every moment. I look for humour, and laugh often. I am happy. This doesn’t mean I haven’t experienced so-called ‘negative’ events. Quite the opposite, but I choose to see the positive and my life is fun. I also choose to accept that one day I will leave this life for something else, and in leaving this life I will leave behind some amazing people who have enriched my being more than they would ever know. And so when they come to my funeral to say goodbye, I also want to say goodbye to them. I don’t want a sombre, Dickensian affair. I’m sure (the ego suggests ‘hope’?!) there’ll be a few tears, but I want smiles and laughter to break through those tears. I want to hear “Emily would love this” and “That is SO Emily”. Black clothes and cucumber sandwiches just won’t cut it!

When my beloved mum (who was also one of my best friends) died in December, I helped arrange her funeral. There were bright colours and an ‘anything goes’ attitude towards the dress code, a 5 foot spray of flowers in her favourite colours on her coffin which was made of golden wicker. Each guest took away a collection of people’s tributes and memories of her, intertwined with photos and her artwork in a pearlescent booklet. It was a beautiful day. My only regret was, that due to the short time you have to plan a funeral and the emotion that surrounds it, I didn’t get to personalise it even more. Or film it. I felt the funeral was my last connection on this earth to my darling mum. I was in such a haze that day; I wish I could see it again.

To work with someone and to give them their final wish, or to help grieving families honour someone for the individual that they were, and to reflect their personality, whilst allowing them the space to concentrate on the difficult time they are going through, will be so fulfilling. I am so looking forward to this journey and cannot thank Louise enough for inviting me to join such an empathic, unique and special company.

Emily Lamont – Operations Director

emily@sentiment.co.uk

“Among the many new services springing up is funeral photography and videography, which I believe to be splendid adjuncts in bereavement support. For some years I have offered to record funeral and memorial services for families. This allows them to either send the CD recording to family members or friends unable to attend in person, but who may wish to share in the service, or allows those present to listen again to the service at a time when they feel more emotionally able to do so. Increasingly, crematoria are offering recording as part of their customer service – and all credit to them for doing so”

It’s really interesting that the Reverend has also been offering to record his services; it goes to show that there is a real growing demand for a souvenir of the day, something that people can keep, look back on and treasure. (Ironically it sounds like I would have met the Reverend in person on the BBC Breakfast sofa back in November 2010.  If he’d been able to travel at short notice!)

Funeral videography is still relatively new and unusual and some people may have reservations about it. The Reverend makes the point well:

“For some, the concern about filming/photographing funerals is intrusion into what is a solemn occasion: a lessening, perhaps, of the dignity of the service. While this might be so in some poorly prepared cases, I believe if the photographer and camera person liaise with the family, funeral director, officiant and cemetery/crematorium staff regarding boundaries then this should not be a problem.” This is where we come into our own; at Sentiment we use highly professional photographers and camera operators who blend in unobtrusively and are extremely respectful of the mourners and their emotions.

“I realise it is not for everyone, but as part of a wider freedom of choice for the bereaved, the availability of these services should be more widely known. For some grieving people, having the opportunity to listen to the funeral, watch the service on video or simply reflect by browsing through high quality photographs, can offer just the cathartic experience they need.”

We’re really pleased that what we do here is starting to filter in to the wider consciousness and we’re confident that in time what we offer will be no more unusual than hiring a wedding photographer or videographer. Increasingly there are more and more ways to document and remember each significant stage in our lives, and the acceptance of death as something that can be embraced as the end of a remarkable journey can only have positive repercussions for those left behind.

NFE 2011 was an incredible year for Sentiment. Having exhibited  in 2009  we found that funeral directors thought  the Sentiment product range was too modern –  however this year things were very very very different…

We had an unpredicted and unexpected interest in all of our range, this left us clinging on to leaflets as they flew off the stand!  We found funeral directors watching the funeral videos from afar, then slowly approaching us to discuss more about the products. As they flicked through the memory books and looked at the DVDs they wanted to know more about Tribute Videos, Filming and photographing funerals and Memory books -  They gave us huge positive feedback.

On Sunday I managed to get off the stand for an hour – As I wondered into hall 1 I was accosted by the Funeral Humor boys http://www.funeralhumour.co.uk/, I’d seen the effect their chili sauce was having on people over the weekend and it didn’t look healthy – but their charm won me over and before I knew it I was tasting their ‘Death Chili Dip’ (that comes with a government warning!!!) after a few hours recovery I made my way round to see everyone else.

 I’d like to say thank you to  http://www.muchloved.com/ who not only had us on their stand but also offer a free service  for Sentiment Families to upload their tribute videos allowing them to share and view them whenever they like.

Also I would like to thank http://ashestoearth.co.uk/ and http://www.phoenix-diamonds.com/ for such great entertainment in the evenings AND I really believe in their products .  Thanks to  http://www.motorcyclefunerals.com/ for their free (much needed) massage! We were exhibiting next to them and It always made me laugh because their bar  had people queueing up  for cocktails at 10 IN THE MORNING!!! Thanks to  http://www.colourfulcoffins.com/ for being as inspirational as ever.  And  I’d also like to say good luck to the newcomers http://www.agivingtribute.com/ and   http://funeralmap.co.uk/ - We wish you success on the launch of your up and coming new sites.

Sorry to all those I have missed off, and thank you all to a fantastic expo – roll on 2013

The Book is stunning and made with a black leather embossed front. All his friends and family who attended the funeral left message  and sent us photos. All the messages and photos have been incorporated into this book and it will be give to his wife next week.

The book ended with this poem – I do Love this Poem.

Farewell My Friend

It was beautiful as long as it lasted
The journey of my life.
I have no regrets whatsoever
save the pain I’ll leave behind.
Those dear hearts who love and care…
And the strings pulling at the heart and soul…
The strong arms that held me up
When my own strength let me down.
At every turning of my life I came across good friends,
Friends who stood by me,
Even when the time raced me by.
Farewell, farewell my friends
I smile and bid you goodbye.
No, shed no tears for I need them not
All I need is your smile.
If you feel sad do think of me
for that’s what I’ll like when you live in the hearts
of those you love, remember then
you never die.

Rabindranath Tagore

Today is one of those beautiful spring days, where the sun is shinning and the air is fresh.
Outside its almost like the sun has broken through everyones winter cocoon to find the summer smiles.

I stumbled upon this poem, its wonderful.  Personally it’s the sort of poem I love to hear at a funeral, a message to thoes that life is very very special and to go on to live another day taking from it what you can 

Thank you to http://www.funeralpoemsandreflections.com where I found it.

A few lines from “Life Is A Fragile Thing”:

“Life is a fragile thing
And it can change within an instant
Nothing is safe from the effects of change
No person or possession we’re given

The only things we can hold forever
Are the memories in our hearts
The loves we share upon this earth
Before it comes our time to part

So choose a pathway that brings you joy
Take time for quiet moments each day
Appreciate the challenges that strengthen your soul
And the blessings God sends your way

Don’t let your heart be ruled by anger
It’s just not worth the stress
For the tumult will only expand in your heart
And crowd out happiness

Live each day with wonder and gratitude
For the beauty that surrounds you
And share your abundance generously
It’ll ensure future blessings will surround you

Meekly accept that life’s journey will include
Unexpected, soul-wrenching heartaches
That will bruise your soul and alter the course
You always imagined your life would take

And when that happens you’ll have the choice
To embrace hope or hopelessness
You can’t avoid grief, but you can refuse to accept
A lonely future of bitterness

So choose to be grateful for each moment
With the loved ones you’ve been given…”

I have been chatting to a lady called Beverly Ogonowski who has been telling me all about her company Repose in Light and their “Heliostèle” – A solar-powered funeral accessory that shines all night to symbolise undying love.

 Beverly tells me that the “Heliostèle” is a powerful way to remember all those who have gone before us. Personalisable, innovative, autonomous, maintenance-free and ecological with a lifespan of 15 years.

It is Placed on a grave, or at home in a sunny corner, this durable memorial lights up at night to reveal a brilliant message celebrating the life of a loved one.

The Heliostèle is made from iron, glass and polished granite. It is a funeral accessory that combines traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology to offer a unique and lasting memorial.

It gives more than 15 hours of light at night, its weather resistance and can withstand temperatures from -30º to +70ºC. Its size is  33.5 cm x 20.5 cm. Weight: 6.2 kg (approx) as even thought its not yet available the Price for Heliostèle from “la Collection divine” 980€ (£826 today)

I just heard that John Barry died, it made me cry. I don’t normally get upset by famous people dying , I deal with the real people in life and death and that’s emotional enough. I didn’t cry because of his loss I cried because of his amazing influence on me and my gratitude for his life.

 I think Out Of Africa was one of the first videos I remember seeing. I was probably about 7 years old. It was not something I would have chosen to watch, I was more interested in the Care Bears but my mom was a working single parent and the only time we’d actually have time to sit with her and chill out and have a  cuddle was on the sofa with a video.

Still to this day I couldn’t tell you what the story line was about, I’ve not seen it since I was 7, all I remember was how the music had an emotional effect on me,  I remember trying desperately not to cry through the whole movie, I doubt I even understood it , however I could literally feel it in my stomach.  After watching the movie my mom went out and brought the tape and we played in her car for years and years.

My mom brought me a piano when I was 5/6 years old. After I  saw the film it inspired me to started tinkering around, playing stuff  I ‘felt‘ rather than the sheet music that was set by my piano teacher.  I soon began to play by ear and by emotion,  before long my mom saw that  piano exams and grades were not for me, yet she still  paid for piano lessons until I was 15

Not long after I’d seen Out Of Africa we had the washing repair machine man round and I remember the conversation we had  clear as crystal… ‘what do you want to be when you’re older’  my response was ‘ I want to write music for films’  I remember his reaction and was surprised by it…’ Wow, I’ve never heard a little girl want to do something like that before, good for you I hope you do’

Over my childhood I was always composing music and making up little tunes, it was never going to develop into anything other than just a passion, I wasnt a brilliant musician or anything, i just enjoyed it.  I loved music and the way it made me feel, I was a deep romantic from a very early age. By the time I got to university I was intrigued by the power of music in advertising and even did my thesis on it.

My passion of the power of music soon led me to Sentiment Ltd, and I will always say – thank you John Barry for giving so much to this world, and giving so much to me.

John Barry – Out Of Africa - Take a listen to the album.. its timeless and amazing.  

For some of us its hard to think about our existence, hard to think about life without our friends and family or think about our family living life without us. For others thinking about the end highlights how wonderful this life really is, and brings gratitude that we we are still here on our journey… and that’s what is important.

Sentiment believes that we should remember that we are living in the here and now… because we know all too well that life can short. Be aware that all your achievements and stories along the way have made you who YOU are and we should celebrate that and commemorate.

 In a time when we like to preserve our history, why not preserve a little bit of your own history … whether you want to create a DVD for your family as a gift, or a life biography to pass onto your children, a Memory book of your life with photos and stories. If you want to ensure that one day your family will know what to do for your funeral and celebrate your life in the way that best reflects you, then please speak us for funeral event planning or commemoration DVD production.

Happy new year, and all the best on your Journey.

A nice ending to the year has been moving into our shiny office in Old Beaconsfield town.

Please can you update your records or new details are :
19 London End
Beaconsfield Bucks
HP9 2HN
0845 409 6124

HOW CAN WE WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN 2011?
We truly believe that Sentiment is not just a business, but a bit of positivity helping people celebrate life. We are hoping for the same positivity in 2011 by collaborating with more businesses and charities so we can really make a difference. If you have any projects, ideas or charity fund raising for 2011 and you would like some help or our involvment then do let us know.

We are also open to promoting your business on our Blog. If you have any special offers or you are opening the way to innovative new ideas then do let us know and we’ll do our best to announce it on the world wide web.

So here’s wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and fantastic New Year 2011.

2 Christmas poems for thoes of you who are facing the chrstams holidays without your loved one.  We send Christmas blessings to you all xx

Here is a wonderful PDF  on ‘why the holidays hurt’ by the fantastic Dr Bill Webster.

Christmas Without You
by Kaye Des’Ormeaux

It’s going to be a sad Christmas this year
without your laughter & without your cheer.
I’ll miss the sight of you with your Santa’s hat,
and the smile you shared from where you sat.
I’ll think about all the Christmas’s in the past,
and hold to the memories that slipped so fast.
For they’re all I have left to remember,
on this sad Christmas morning in December.
I’ll think about you and cherish each though;
I’ll think of your smile & the happiness it brought.
And as I listen to the church bells ring,
your voice will echo as the choirs sing.
I can never tell you, my love, how sad it will be
to spend Christmas without you here with me.
I just wish you’d touch my heart in such a way,
that I could live through the pain of Christmas Day.
And, help me to remember that your love
is still sent to me from the Heavens above.
And although you won’t decorate my Christmas tree,
Your spirit will light the lights for me to see.
Oh, I’ll hear your voice in each Christmas song.
I’ll see your face in each child that comes along.
And although my heart will be broken and torn…
I’ll know you’re with Jesus on this Christmas morn.
No, Christmas won’t be the same without your smiling face
but I’ll know you’re in a much better place.
I’ll think of my precious child in everything I do…
Cause, it just won’t be “Christmas Without You!”

My First Christmas in Heaven
by Unknown

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can’t compare
with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I’m spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.
I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do
For I can’t count the blessing or love he has for each of you
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.