Remembrance Service

1800-1830 | Friday 8 October, 2021

We concluded the sessions on the first day of the conference with a remembrance service, providing everyone with a time to come together, reflect and remember family and friends in our community. We invited everyone to light a candle at the end in memory of those whom we remember. Thank you to Sharon for your introduction, and Gavin, David, Megan and Andrea for presenting such beautiful poems.

Introduction

Presented by Sharon Caris

Love lives on

Read by Gavin Finkelstein

Those we love are never really lost to us,
we feel them in so many special ways.
Through friends they always cared about,
and dreams they left behind,
in beauty that they added to our days,
in words of wisdom we still carry with us,
and memories that will never be gone.
Those we love are never really lost to us,
for everywhere their special love lives on.
Author ~ Amanda Bradley

You can shed tears

Read by David Fagan

You can shed tears that they have gone
Or you can smile because they have lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that they’ll come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all they’ve left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see them,
Or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember them and only that they’ve gone,
Or you can cherish their memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what they’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Author ~ Anonymous

Sometimes - Footsteps

Read by Megan Walsh

Sometimes, on our journey through life we meet people, who leave footprints on our mind.
They challenge us to see things differently
And to question our personal reality.
Sometimes, on our journey through life we meet people, who leave footprints on our heart.
They create a safe place for us, to open our hearts to feel loved and special.
Then sometimes, on our journey through life, we meet people who leave footprints on our souls.
They share themselves with us so profoundly, that they touch the very essence of who we are in that secret quiet place.
They have left gentle footprints on the minds, hearts and souls of many here today
May we always remember
The beauty of their love, their kindness and
The way they touched our lives.
Author ~ Maggie Dent

Four Candles

Read by Andrea McColl

The first candle represents our grief.
The pain of losing you is intense.
It reminds us of the depth
of our love for you.

This second candle represents
our courage.
To confront our sorrow,
To comfort each other,
To change our lives.

This third candle we light in your memory.
For the times we laughed,
The times we cried,
The times we were angry with each other,
The silly things you did,
The caring and joy you gave us.

This fourth candle we light for our love.
We light this candle that your light
will always shine.
We cherish the special
place in our hearts
that will always be reserved for you.

We thank you for the gift
your living brought to each of us.
We love you.
We remember you.
Author unknown

Looking for Support?

If this presentation has affected you and you feel in need of support, please reach out to a friend or family member, or the grief and counselling services listed below.

Griefline
Free loss and grief telephone counselling services, 6 am to midnight, 7 days a week. Toll free helpline: 1300 845 745
Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
Bereavement counselling and support services Tel. (03) 9265 2100 or 1800 642 066
Kids Helpline
Telephone counselling Tel. 1800 551 800 (24 hours, 7 days)
Lifeline
Crisis support and suicide prevention services Tel. 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days)
Beyond Blue
Anxiety, depression and suicide prevention services Tel. 1300 22 4636 (24 hours, 7 days)