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Showing posts with label tribute videos friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tribute videos friends. Show all posts

December 28, 2025

A song for Tina

I created a song for Tina which she loved.  I shared it with her when I spent Xmas with her and the family.



Message from Marion who I shared the song with



Still So Here


Verse 1

Ninety-one years and you’re still so here,
Clear in your laughter, steady and near.
You chose good living, a mindful way,
Less sugar, more care, more light in your days.
Coleslaw on the table, biscuits just right,
You’ve always known how to nourish a life.

Pre-Chorus

There’s a quiet wisdom in the way you move,
A gentleness shaped by what you’ve lived through.

Chorus

You’re still so here, still warm, still bright,
Still opening hearts just by your light.
Time may pass, but this much is true:
The world is kinder for having you.

Verse 2

Kirribilli mornings, harbour in view,
Tuesday night silence breaking us through.
A shared stillness, a knowing glance,
Learning to rest in the present’s expanse.
You followed the call all the way to India’s door,
Came back with a heart that could love even more.

Pre-Chorus

Something opened and never closed again,
A deeper yes to joy and pain.

Chorus

You’re still so here, still open, still true,
Still seeing beauty where others don’t choose.
In books, in art, in a perfectly played tune,
You meet the world like a long-held friend.

Verse 3

You see the world like an artist does,
Feeling the colours before the words.
A type four heart, uniquely true,
Making meaning where few can do.
Even loneliness taught you how
To love more deeply, right here, now.

Verse 4

Ruth’s food on the table, colour and care,
Paint on the walls and love everywhere.
Dom by your side through the hardest days,
Finding new ground in courageous ways.
Dogs in the garden, balls flying fast,
You smile at the joy that’s never the past.

Pre-Chorus

Your love keeps widening, quietly strong,
A place where so many of us belong.

Chorus

You’re still so here, still generous, still kind,
Still making a home in the hearts that you find.
Family and friendship, gathered and true,
We’re richer for simply knowing you.

Bridge

Scrabble words waiting,
Road trips to Bowral,
Lunches and laughter,
Table tennis battles.
Sushi at Taki,
Harbour cafés,
Deep conversations
That carried our days.

You speak it in moments, in laughter and care,
In the warmth of your presence, in how you are there.

Final Chorus

You’re still so here, and you always will be,
In art and in memory, in you and in me.
This Christmas together, beneath summer skies,
I’m grateful beyond what words can describe.

Outro

So here’s to your courage, your depth, your grace,
Your quiet strength, your radiant face.
My beautiful friend, this song is true:
I am so thankful —
For you.

August 31, 2024

Chris's 70 birthday

Friends do not come more special than Chris. I'm so blessed to have had him in my life over the past 12 years.  It was wonderful to celebrate his 70th birthday with him.


Birthday tribute video



Lunch on the day at The Coal Loader






Chris's party at The Alchemist

 








June 30, 2024

Liz's 50th birthday

A tribute video I compiled for Liz.


At Liz's 50th party








May 14, 2024

Beautiful Jilly passes away

She was very ready to go but she will be so greatly missed. She passed peacefully in the presence of Mandy, her beloved daughter.  I was fortunate to phone her earlier in the day when she was still conscious and I was able to express my love and gratitude.   It is through Jilly that I have met many of my closest friends and her Eckhart evenings were a catalyst to incredible personal and spiritual growth, including my daily meditation and mindfulness practice which has transformed my life.

I really enjoyed putting her photo tribute together.  So many priceless memories!

I'll be sorry to miss Jilly's funeral as I will be in Iceland but I will be there in spirit.


My favourite sayings of Jilly

  • "Love from my heart to yours. "
  • "Thank you for all of life. The easy bits and hard bits. "
  • "Yep yep"
  • "Come round early for some Jilly zoop"
  • "You can call me any time day or night..."
  • "Let's make a circle. Would someone like to start an "om"
  • "Let's have a cuppa"
  • "The computer is broken. Nothing is working!"


Xenia's intuitive download "Purple Diamond"

The phrase "purple diamond" coming to you after asking for a sign could be deeply symbolic. Purple is often associated with spirituality, wisdom, and dignity—qualities that might reflect your friend's personality or the impact she had on your life. Diamonds symbolize strength, eternity, and unbreakable bonds, which might represent your enduring connection with her. Together, "purple diamond" could symbolize a precious, enduring memory or aspect of her that continues to influence and inspire you.



Xenia's poem recited at Jilly's funeral


Jilly I will miss your beautiful hugs as only you knew how to give

You welcomed us all to your home, showed us a little how to live

You provided comfort and nurturing with a warm and open heart

"Call on me any time", that you said from the start

When my Anthony was sick you supported me, and beside me you stood tall....

This was despite your own health challenges, at the time I recall

Your cheeky sense of humour and your ability for play

Your thoughts and insights shared with us will forever stay

Yes your way of giving was heartfelt and from your very core

And what I'll take from all of this, is to be like you a little more....

A reminder to be giving and a little gentler every day

But to also say it like it is, and honour ourselves in every way

Jilly I'm so grateful that I've known you and got to see who you truly are

And I'll always carry you with me, you will never be too far 



Photos on Jilly's funeral pamphlet






Video

August 08, 2023

In loving memory of Graeme Perkes

A dear hiking friend, Graeme Perkes, passed away a week ago after a two year battle with cancer. Graeme lived life to the full more than just about anyone I know. He travelled all over the world, often exploring on foot or bicycle. He was a real inspiration. We will all really miss him.

I attended his funeral in Rouse Hill. It was a beautiful celebration of his life. Lauren did a wonderful speech that made us laugh through the tears.  She represented his friends. Graeme's two nephews also did a tribute, representing his family.

There were three tribute videos, one from his friends and one from the family. And lastly, and most special of all, was a video by Graeme of some of his photos and video footage from his hiking in Nepal. So beautiful and soulful. It felt even more profound because I am about to head to Nepal myself, in his footsteps.  I'll be doing the same hike as him to Everest basecamp.








A poem by Natham Lattimore, written and recited at Graeme's request


Hello God

It's been a while since we talked. A long time, in fact. You're like a distant family member I only see at Christmas. I remember you, though.

I remember the safety of your arms, and the warmth of your company. I remember the security I felt, as you spoke to me of the mysteries of life and the universe. That it all came down to love.

Even though we don't talk much anymore, I do remember that. The mountains I have climbed, and those I would never dare to attempt. The rivers I have waded through. The trees, united in forests that go on as far as the eye can see. All interconnected, all relying on one another for their survival. I see love, and its fingerprints wherever I look.

When I think of you, I think of my parents, my dear mum and dad, who did the best they could to raise me into as good, and kind a person as possible. I know that they credited you with every success they had; though myself, I see that in doing so they never gave themselves enough credit.

I don't claim to know the nature of existence. It's a mystery; an exciting one. Each adventure I have, I discover just the tiniest bit more of it; accompanied by yet more questions that may never be answered.

To leave this body, this shell that has failed me, and to become part of that mystery, to be enveloped by it... that may well be the most exciting adventure I have ever been on. And if you're there to meet me, then it will truly be nice to see you again.

Amen.

August 04, 2023

Slideshow for Michael

I did an end of life slideshow for Michael, Sue's wonderful brother, for when he eventually passes, hopefully a very long time from now.  It was really fun immersing myself in his favourite memories and photos.  Really soul enriching. At, the end of the day, we are all stories wrapped in skin and it was lovely getting to know his story.


August 03, 2023

Tribute video for Shushann

Shushann is a very dear friend. I created this slideshow to celebrate her birthday and our friendship.

August 08, 2022

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