Saying Goodbye is a resource book for anyone who is planning a funeral. You may be a family member or a friend of someone who has died. You may be planning your own funeral. You may arrange and conduct funerals professionally.

Here you will find an abundance of words and ideas for celebrating a life in ways that are personal and honest.

There are resources that do not assume a faith commitment, as well as resources that reflect Christian belief.

Sections include:

Last months and days

* Dying and death

* Before the funeral

* Resources for when children have died

* Funerals of babies and children

* Funerals of adults

* Children at funerals

* Sentences and blessings for funerals

* Bits and pieces for funerals

* Ashes

* Stones and memorials

* Anniversaries and remembering

* Grief

* Life goes on

* Planning a funeral order

* Ideas for a day conference on funerals

Ruth Burgess is the author of many books, including A Book of Blessings, Eggs and Ashes, Hear My Cry and Fire and Bread (Wild Goose).

"Into the freedom of wind and sunshine

we let you go.

Into the dance of the stars and the planets

we let you go.

Into the wind’s breath and the hands of the Star-maker

we let you go.

We love you, we miss you, we want you to be happy.

Go safely, go dancing, go running home …"

Ruth Burgess, from Saying Goodbye