Unfortunately when my own Father passed away at a relatively younger age (52), I found myself in this position, and as lovely a lady as she was, it was clear and evident to me that she really had little idea about the funny, humorous, fun-loving man my Dad was, and I didn't feel his service truly reflected HIM. His passing was very traumatic for me and my sisters, so it was important that we felt we were saying goodbye to him. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case, and the shock and stress of the day took over, and because I felt 'disconnected' in the service, it took me many years to deal with his sudden and unexpected passing. I really believe much of this could have been avoided if we had met with the Celebrant prior. Unfortunately due to circumstances out of our control, and the fact the funeral was being held where my dad lived (in Perth WA) this couldn't happen. I remember little of the day. I believe in my heart that my Fathers passing was the catalyst for me becoming the Funeral Celebrant that I am today. My Father passed in 2001.