When we decided to hold a ceremony to honour our mother for the 'colours of her life' on the 28th of February, we had no idea that just three days later she would peacefully pass away. It seems now that we were divinely guided to have it when we did, and forever more we will know that we have experienced the rare priviledge of having nothing left unsaid.
We put together a simple ceremony where we played 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' as we surrounded mum in a circle and dressed her in a beautiful rainbow skirt. After my brother, sister and I had read a welcome, everyone picked up a piece of material, and she sat in a sea of colour as we read to her the meaning of each colour in relation to her life. It was about acknowledging & thanking her for her journey as a woman, a sister, a friend, a wife and a mother. I was blown away by how graciously she received each compliment and when we finished, she sat amongst us and shared her thanks and feelings with everyone. One by one we shared candid memories about her and she laughed and cried with all of us. It was incredible.
I could never have known that less than a week later we would share the colours of her life once again at her memorial. Despite the deep sorrow we all felt, her memorial was a celebration of her life and ended with friends and family dancing to 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' on a carpet of fallen leaves in Tokai Forest. I knew in that moment that my parents were watching us and smiling - knowing that the legacy of their lives will live on in all who loved and cherished them.
All I know right now, is dont wait until it's too late to let people know they are loved. There is something sacred about creating your own ceremony to honour a loved one - even if it is only for a birthday or to give them hope when they are going through a tough time. Life is defined by the moments when we truly connect with people - and if all it takes is a bit of creative effort, some coloured material and some words of love & song played softly in the background to make it happen - then do it. I can promise you that the memory you create, will sustain you through the darkest hours.
