A natural at celebrating life
“In the almost two decades in which I have known Martha, it has been a joy to witness her gift for ministry. She is a natural at celebrating life, in ritualizing its most sacred moments. As a minister myself for a number of years I know the hours that go into preparation for weddings, memorials and all the meaningful events in between. We are blest by Martha’s calling and for her wholehearted response to all that it asks of her.”
- Rev. Roddy O’Neil Cleary
I loved everything about it
“The ceremony was just wonderful! Thanks so much! I loved everything about it. I shed tears...duh...but it made leaving the building so much easier...almost joyous. Thanks so much! Thanks again, so very much!”
-Sally
Martha’s words and advice were soothing
“Our two young granddaughters experienced the sight and trauma of their dog being run over and killed. We worried that this event would not be addressed with them as it needed to be. We thought of Martha and Vermont Celebrants. Even though the situation was a little unusual, Martha just took off with her understanding of our distress and subsequently with creative and sustaining ideas.
She located books and activities, and gave us her thoughts about sensitivity to young children’s reaction to pet loss, especially the violence of this particular death. We took the girls to Vermont’s Dog Chapel, where all dogs are memorialized and honored in a beautifully artful way. Our 7-year-old spent a long time writing a love note on a picture of her dog and tacking it to the wall of the chapel with hundreds of others. Our 5-year-old sometimes speaks graphically of the dog’s death. This has been disconcerting to deal with and Martha’s words and advice were and still are soothing.
Martha observed that confronting this event is ongoing, and indeed it is. The topic comes up unexpectedly sometimes. We have stored away more books and a project--sort of a blingy memory box, for use in the future.
Martha’s approach to the business aspects of this situation was impressively unobtrusive. Her rates are more than reasonable and cover contractual agreements and follow-through thoroughly.
Vermont Celebrants’ and Martha’s presence in our area was a true gift at a very confusing time. We recommend Martha’s sensitive and generous services without reservation!”
-Jill and John