Dying to Know Day
#GetDeadSetMyWay
Cynthia Hoogstraten JP (Qual) - Funeral and Marriage Celebrate leads an important discussion for all adults at all stages of life and are encouraged to take individual action and hold conversations to improve their knowledge around choices for their end-of-life. These conversations are with the people most important to you about your unique choices and wishes for your end-of-life.
Normalizing a conversation about death. It is inevitable. Having a conversation and writing down your choices will help prepare loved ones. During what should be a time of mourning and reflection, close loved ones are often left to make decisions and finalize papers. This time can be very overwhelming and for some a first. I have seen the difference when families are prepared and have a list of decisions that have already been made by the loved one who has died.
We will touch on ‘Getting your affairs in order’-Wills, Enduring Power of Attorney, Health Directives, Defining Super, Legacy, Celebrating life, Options and considerations available for end-of-life-planning.
Decisions associated with planning your funeral or other death rites are best made without the pain of grief immediately after a death. You might want to think about how to honor your cultural heritage, your family traditions, what you want as a event (or not) and how your family will want to remember the ceremony.
As with any milestone event, there are overwhelming choices to be made and costs to be considered, so we’d encourage you to inform yourself about the many options, and record your decisions so that your rite of passage, whatever it is, will be a truly memorable one, without being overshadowed by the logistics of arranging the occasion at short notice.
Meet our speaker / Sponsor Cynthia Hoogstraten-Life Celebrant, JP(Qual)
Bundaberg is very dear to me. I grew up here after my family immigrated from the Netherlands, although I am more connected to my birth country of Indonesia. I have worn many hats during my career, each evolving into new chapters in my life.
In the last two decades, I have experienced the loss of my loving Mum and the passing of my beloved Dad to dementia in 2017.
My husband, David and I experienced the 2013 floods, and we moved in with my father for seven months before we could return to our home. We also married that year to end the year on a celebratory note.
2016 I studied a Dip of Dementia Care through UTAS, as I wa interested in the trajectory of dementia, the workings of the brain and how best to assist my Dad.
Each life event impacted me personally, but I have turned them around for the better good, for myself and the community I love.
I learnt about the connection of music to the workings of the brain and moving forward, I learnt about the benefits of drumming. I am now the President of Unity Drummers Inc., facilitating weekly drumming circles. Many of you would have heard of the monthly full moon drumming at Bargara.
Through loss, I have also learned about the fragility of life and the need to celebrate each day. With my experience as a public speaker and ‘holding space’, I quickly stepped into my role as a funeral and marriage celebrant.
I am an artist and creative deep down, and for mindful practice, I love to draw in the sand and find upliftment in greeting the dawn.
My philosophy in life is to learn and share what is worthwhile. My motto is, “If it is going to be, it is up to me!”.
Cynthia Hoogstraten has donated a personalized sand art image valued at $250 for our lucky door prize
Time 6:30am – 8:00am
Menu:
A hot buffet breakfast, which includes
Bacon, hash browns, poached eggs, scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes
stuffed mushrooms, chipolatas,
Bircher muesli cups, fresh fruit,
Self-serve juice, barista made tea/ coffee
Dietary requirements can be catered for please advise at time of registration