Your Questions, Answered

  • Heldfast is a service that creates space for loved ones to share memories of a person who has died or is dying.

     Some stories are spoken just once, to be held and remembered by those present. Others are shaped into written pieces that can be read during a formal a service, at a more casual memorial event, or simply saved as artifacts for loved ones to keep.

  • Anytime and anywhere.

     Heldfast gatherings can take place before or after death, at a memorial event, at the funeral home during visitation, at an after-service luncheon or an evening event.

     Immediate, advance, or post-service timing allows stories to be shared when and wherever people are present and remembering. 

    When no formal service is planned, gatherings may also take place in a home, a park, a restaurant, or another setting.

     

  • Anyone present during remembrance events can take part. Alternately, organizers may choose to gather and invite specific friends or family members.

     Participation looks different for each person, and all forms of presence are welcome, whether active or reflective.

     

  • No preparation is required, though all bookings include a pre-event interview designed to acquaint your Heldfast curator with the deceased, set the tone of the gathering, and understand the organizer’s goals and potential nuances of the expected dynamic.

  • Stories vary widely.

    They may include memories from different stages of a life, shared experiences, brief moments, long recollections, humor, or quiet reflections.

  • Some stories remain spoken and remembered only among those present. Others may be gathered and shaped into one or many narratives to be held or shared across the communities to which the beloved belonged.

     Stories may be shaped into a eulogy, read during a funeral or memorial service, spoken by a loved one, or delivered by Heldfast as part of the service.

  • Heldfast is most often part of visitation or a more casual gathering, but stories may become part of the funeral or memorial service if desired, gatherings.

  • No one is put on the spot. Your Heldfast curator serves as a coach, moderator, and guide who encourages sharing in spoken or written formats.

     Listening, sitting together, and remembering quietly are the most important elements of the gathering. Stories often emerge naturally, but silence is also a form of presence. Thoughtful pacing and prompting gives even hesitant participants opportunities to take part.

  • A eulogy is a single prepared speech. Heldfast gathers many voices and memories. From those words and ideas, a narrative may be shaped, but the gathering itself is not inherently a performance or presentation.

  • If someone wishes to speak during a funeral or memorial service, Heldfast can help shape a presentable speech from the stories gathered and support the person who will deliver it.

  • No.

    Heldfast Offerings are for anyone who considers themselves part of the circle of remembrance. Friends, chosen family, colleagues, or other members of a loved one can arrange and attend.

  • Individual sessions are available separately for those who wish to share stories privately or prepare a personal story outside of a gathering.

     Loved ones nearing transition can also coordinate with Heldfast and family to create advance stories or messages to be shared at public or private gatherings.