Wow I can hardly believe it is 10 years since I trained to be a Celebrant, I remember someone telling me I was either brave or stupid to start a new career aged 57, as I said back then I just thought I was brave!
The last ten years have probably been the happiest of my working life. That is not to say I didn’t enjoy my previous role in a secondary school because I did but being a Celebrant has been the most fulfilling for me.
No two days are ever the same. In fact often no two hours are the same, I have the privilege of meeting families at probably the worst time in their lives as we prepare to say farewell to their loved ones. I feel honoured that they entrust their story to me and yes we do laugh as they share memories and when I get round to writing my book you may find out why we laughed.
And then there are the couples I meet as they embark on their journey to tie the knot. For some that phrase is literal as they want to include a handfasting ceremony within their ceremony. It is such a pleasure to be part of their special day, telling their stories of first look or first swipe and how it led to a proposal. And there I am standing in front of them as they share their vows and exchange rings. Hand in hand and heart to heart forever.
So a few stats as the football pundits say to summarise my decade long career so far:
- Over 3,000 Funerals,
- More than 300 Weddings and Naming Ceremonies
- 7 awards won
- Millions of words written
- Thousands of miles travelled
- Thousands of hugs and hand shakes
- Thousands of thank you’s to those who has trusted me with a ceremony over the last ten years.
When I look at these stats I can’t help but feel a sense of pride in my role as a civil celebrant over the decade and I’m looking forward to celebrating the next ten YEARS!
