HeldFast plans gatherings where loved ones share memories of a person who has died or is dying.

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.

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.

Guests can speak up or simply listen, and either is welcome.

No preparation is required, though all bookings include a conversation before the event, so your HeldFast Guide can learn about the person, set the tone, and understand any family dynamics worth knowing.

Stories may come from any stage of a life. They can be brief or long, funny or reflective.

Some stories remain spoken and remembered only among those present. Others may be gathered and shaped into one or many narratives to share with the people who knew the person.

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.

Careful pacing and prompts give even hesitant guests a way to take part, in spoken or written form.

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 others close to 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.