Eighteen months ago my 92 year old mother finally released her hold on her physical body. None of us who had travelled her journey with her for the previous two years were sad she’d finally chosen to go, we were more relieved for her that now she was free of what had become an increasingly intolerable and painful burden. I knew one of my cousins, Clive, had run a white dove release business from his home in North London for several years and on the day of her funeral he brought two beautiful doves down with him in a pretty white basket for us to release after the ceremony. We’d never taken part in a release before and had no idea what to expect.
Clive explained he’d bought two doves to symbolise Mum’s re-union with Dad now, and said they could be released from the basket or we could hold them and offer them up for their homeward flight. We chose the latter, and it was interesting to notice that as he explained what was about to happen to our gathered family and friends, the mood of the group changed from insular grief to a sense of curiosity that connected and lifted us.
Gently cupping the beautiful dove that was handed to me was magical. The softness of her feathers, her pure white colour, the innocence in her eyes, and her acceptance of my touch whilst yearning to fly free, enchanted me. At Clive’s command I lifted my arms and opened my hands. ‘Fly free Mum, fly free…..’ my heart cried. And she did. Strong, graceful, light as a feather, in an instant my dove rose in the air, returning to the freedom that was her birth-right.It is easy to understand why these beautiful, gentle birds have for thousands of years been universally accepted as symbols of love, peace and new beginnings. As she rose and circled above, quickly joined by her companion, everyone watched intently. They circled twice more, as if saying goodbye before they took off on their homeward journey. Looking up, arms still outstretched, my breathing had changed, and amazingly so had my feelings. Somehow the doves had left their blessing: they’d connected me with the love that Mum’s life had gifted to me; the love that lived on in my heart. “Be ever ready to release that love and I am with you always’ was the whisper that carried on the wind.
A few months later my daughter and I took receipt of our first batch of baby doves from Clive, and Lambert’s White Dove Release – Brighton, was born. It was time to share the blessings down here in Sussex.
If you’d like a White Dove Release at a funeral or occasion you’re organising, or you feel it’s the right time to release in memory of a loved one already passed, give Laura a ring on 07746 450814, or join us in a 30 dove release at our Wings of Love ceremony at the Sussex County Cricket Ground on Sunday 31st July at 3pm: www.doverelease.eventbrite.co.uk.
Best wishes, Viv & Laura
Lambert’s White Dove Release, Brighton
