A nugget of gold
by Carol, Bristol, UK
Funeral Celebrant & Co-ordinator, Aged 50
Many years ago my life was touched by a tragedy. I didn't know it at the time but that tragedy held within it a tiny seed, a nugget of gold, which has grown into an organisation which helps thousands of people cope with death and dying.
In 1974 I gave birth to my first child, a boy, born 15 weeks early. He died a short while later but I was not told until the next day and, at the same time was asked to make the funeral arrangements. Needless to say I was too distraught so the hospital did it for me but it was to be 9 years before I found out where he was buried.
What was worse though was the fact that neighbours and friends avoided me simply because they were embarrassed and didn't know what to say to me. As a result I later offered my help to those who had been bereaved.
Over the years this grew into an organisation called Circles of Life which is dedicated not only to providing support to those facing, or coping with death, dying and bereavement but conducts personal ceremonies to help people celebrate the lives of their loved ones and also makes the funeral arrangements and provides eco-friendly coffins as well.
None of this would have happened if I hadn't experienced the pain of losing a child.
I now write bereavement poems which have been used all over the world and have helped thousands of people in the UK cope with the loss of their loved ones and it's all thanks to my son. The full story and some of my poems are on my website.
Carol Pool, Bristol, UK
circlesoflife.co.uk
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2009