Rest Funerals & Death Care

26/10/2025

Before emails and text messages, people used to send thank you cards by hand. After receiving a gift, help, or kindness, they would choose a card, write a personal note inside, and mail it to show their gratitude. It was a thoughtful gesture that took time and effort, and receiving one felt special... something to hold onto and appreciate.

Thank you for putting your trust in me, to take care of Mum and help when it was needed.

25/10/2025

Farewell little one...

It's been some time since I last posted anything and I guess I needed a break. In the photo, my wife an I tie the jute lowering strap for this tiny wicker casket in preparation for a private funeral for Mum and Dad only.

In her short time here, she brought a quiet beauty into the world. Her presence was brief, like a sigh, yet the love that welcomed her ran deep. Her name means myrtle tree, a symbol of peace, resilience, and life quietly flourishing. And though she did not stay long, she leaves behind roots planted in the hearts of her mum and dad, who will love and remember her forever.

The myrtle blooms softly, often unnoticed, but its presence is deeply meaningful. Her life, just two weeks, touches eternal. She knew only love. The gentle hands that held her. The soft voices that surrounded her. The world of her mum and dad paused, to embrace her presence. In that stillness and love, she was completely known.

Now they let her go. Not without sorrow, but with deep reverence. They entrust her to a place where there are no more tears, where little souls are cradled in peace. She came to them as a gift, and they return her with aching hearts and open hands.

Rest well, precious one. Like the myrtle, your spirit will remain delicate and remembered forever.

https://rednose.org.au/grief-and-loss-support/overview/

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08/08/2025

Without going into detail, I asked my friend to send one of her books express to a couple in need of something. They have family and friends, but sitting quietly alone with this book... is the something I was thinking of.

22/07/2025

I love this quote by Clare Pooley, and it was written inside the cover of a diary. Surrounded by important phone numbers, vehicle regos and more quotes, it stood out. I only got to know this lady through the voices of those left behind, but by all accounts she lived by this mantra.

It's not every funeral that we make a booklet, and that's probably a good thing... while I enjoy the process of creating something unique for them, it stresses me out a just a bit 😬 When so many photos to look at, it can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily there are usually a couple that stand out and it builds from there. This was no exception. When I saw this gorgeous couple on their wedding day - some 60 odd years ago - I remembered listening to Ted talk about his Margaret and over a cup of tea, and the quote in her diary popped into my head (and yes, that's in her handwriting as it was on the page in her diary). *Permission was granted by the family to post.

Just quickly, I'd like to thank Natalie from Stanthorpe Print n Copy - https://printncopy.com.au/
Once again you delivered quality and in record time. We had very little notice to get this together and the family were so appreciative of your efforts.

10/06/2025

We've talked about coffins and caskets before, even shroud bearers. But what is a cremation capsule?

A cremation capsule is a simple, dignified container (usually made of cardboard or a similar material) used for unattended cremations. It may take the form of a basic coffin or casket, but unlike traditional options, it typically lacks handles and is not designed for lifting or transport over long distances. 'Cremation capsule' is simply a more respectful term for what is essentially a plain, functional box.

"What about the cardboard casket people decorate? How are they different?"

Without getting too "Oils ain't oils...", the decorated cardboard caskets you may have seen on our website are called a Daisybox. They're made in Australia by Daisybox Pty Ltd. A Daisybox differs in that it is designed to carry up to 240 kg, thanks to its unique multi layer design and fitted natural rope handles. With its higher load bearing capacity and superior overall quality, the Daisybox is the preferred choice for funerals that include a service with the body present, such as a graveside ceremony.

07/06/2025

I absolutely love seeing people throwing convention to the curb. A refreshing take with a little humour thrown in….

11/05/2025

There will be many posts about Mother's Day today and I'll chime in also. You'll hear it and read it many times - today especially - that grief is normal. We talk about it a lot and the fact that it is a unique experience for every individual. It's highlighted so very well in 'Is This Normal' by Jo Lincolne - https://www.bigloveceremonies.com.au/coping-with-grief-and-loss .

The western world (mainly) uses the word 'Loss' a lot, to refer to death and dead, but today I wanted to touch on loss. Of course today is hard for those (like me) whose mother's have died, but there are so many out there who have lost their mother. Legal adoption, forced adoption, an inability to care for a child, state intervention, estrangement... whatever the reason, there are children and adult children out there without a mother. A mother lost, they've lost their mother.

We are thinking of you too.

I am not a grief specialist - as most 'funeral directors' are not - and while I am always available to anyone that would like a listening ear, if you need grief support please contact a specialist. There are a number of options listed in the resources section of our website - https://myrest.com.au/resources/

09/05/2025

Every time someone chooses MyRest, I am reminded of why I founded this company – to provide guidance, respect and true choice when it matters most. While everyone’s situation will be so very different, I can appreciate how a family may feel during a time just after a death. I want those families to know that I will be ready to support them – the ones left behind – in any way I can, and give them space where it’s needed.

The funeral process is something we – as a community – have been sheltered from for so many years, decades actually. It is something we need to know and talk about, to normalise. When someone dies, the people left behind can be in a state of shock, grief and a general sense of overwhelm can cocoon them from the world around. So very often, whether intended or not, people are mislead, misinformed and taken advantage of. The best way to combat this is to have open conversations about death, the processes around death and most importantly, being prepared for death.

Read the full process here -
https://myrest.com.au/the-funeral-process-in-queensland/

07/05/2025

Happy Birthday Mum.

Here she is, my snack size supercell storm of a mother. Lighting up rooms wherever she went, would have certainly been a household name if born in a different time.

Yesterday the word catalyst came up in a conversation with a client - which I will write about soon - and it made me realise that while we have helped so many families over the last three years, there is still work to be done.

Mum is the origin, the Spark that started it all. I know you’d proud of what we’ve achieved so far.

Laugh it up and continue to enjoy the limelight Mum, Grammy, Bobbie …

21/04/2025

A little ride through the back of Killarney to say goodbye to a little bit of Mum... It was an incredible day, the weather just perfect. I won't go on here about it because my brother sums it up in his post.



https://www.instagram.com/p/DIiEiWhTOk7/?igsh=YTBvZTlpbzNwa2N1

23/03/2025

I saw this at a presentation last week, hosted at Killarney Memorial Aged Care. My good friend - and local End of Life support provider / educator - Debbie Andersen of The Last Chapter was talking about the importance of planning at EOL.

Emotional but very worthwhile watching.

Diana and Rui know everything about each other, except the most important thing…You can finish each other’s sentences but how well do you really know your pa...

20/03/2025

If you want to sit in on a casual chat about death, consider this …

Update - Thanks for coming everyone! It certainly was a jam-packed chat with lots of info.

I've linked the recording in the comments, so grab a drink and watch at your leisure.

xLisa

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TONIGHT!!! BYO Drinks. 🧋🍷☕

It's Advance Care Planning Week and having a plan is verrrrrrrry important. So I've brought in the big guns - a bottle of scotch and Carolyn Mandersloot - Talker!

This will happen here on The Bottom Drawer Book: The After Death Action Plan page tonight (Thursday 20/3).