Hi! My name is Clare Smart. I’m a celebrant and blogger.
I’m passionate about ceremonies.
For details of my celebrant services click here for weddings or follow me on Instagram @claresmartcelebrant.
For funerals click here.
My blog shares my experiences of “rainbows and rollercoasters”
- As a brain cancer carer, and then
- As a young widow and solo parent navigating through grief, and
- How I am living life now.
Some of my posts have been published by Elephant Journal, Option B, Second Firsts and
You can read my stories here and follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rainbowsandrollercoasters/
Some background:
When I was 34 and pregnant with my second child, my husband at the age of 35 was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
The diagnosis knocked our young family off course – onto an unpredictable traumatic rollercoaster ride which ended after three and half years with my husband dying at home. When my husband died I became a young widow and single mother.
I was 37 and our children were aged 4 and a half and 3 years old.
Supporting their needs and their grief had to come first.
I was exhausted and rattled but I could not fall in a heap and climb under the doona.
I had to keep consciously living for them.
I had grief to process too. And I didn’t know what that really meant and what it would entail – physically, emotionally and mentally.
What would the grief rollercoaster, the young widow rollercoaster and the single mother (solo parent) rollercoaster be like?
I had hope and faith that one day I would heal, laugh and reconnect with the world again.
But how was I going to do this?
It has been 11 years since my husband died. I have emerged from my labyrinth of grief and I’m loving life. There are times and moments when I am drawn back into my labyrinth but I have my groove back, feel wiser and truer to myself and more present in every moment.
The kids and I are not only living life with loss, we are embracing it. We find “rainbows” of joy and love in our lives every day.
And although my husband is physically gone he will forever be in our hearts and minds. We miss him every day but we are participating in life with gusto and he is always with us.
I hope the stories in my blog provide readers with insight, comfort and hope.
With much love
Clare xxx
If you would like to start at the beginning of my story – start with these links.
Cancer – The Curveball to Our Conventional Life (The Diagnosis).
Our Conventional Life – (Before Diagnosis)
Or take a look at a post in the Menu Categories: Grief, Life Now, Support.
A bit more about me!
- I am blessed to be able to live near Manly Beach in Sydney Australia.
- I love yoga, wriggling my toes in the sand, splashing in the waves, and snorkelling with fish.
- I love all forms of colour, especially colourful flowers and I have a crazy collection of colourful dresses.
- I am passionate about funerals and weddings being done well with choice, creativity and connection!
Living within the light and the dark. Love, laughter, grief and joy.
Moments to celebrate, commiserate and connect.
Rainbows and Rollercoasters.
Rainbows & Rollercoasters 