What a heartbreaking time for someone to die
Due to Covid-19 and with necessary measures in force to contain it, bereaved families have missed many of the comforts that we traditionally offer each other at a time of loss.
We miss the handshakes, the hugs, people offering the few words that can be thought of at a time of loss, summarised in the sincerely meant expression “I’m sorry for your trouble”.
We miss the visits, the wake, and if the person has been lost through Covid-19 we even miss the comfort of saying the last goodbye, the final kiss on the forehead of our loved one. This is not the way we do death in Ireland.
But so it has to be for now.
But some new expressions of solidarity have emerged, neighbours and friends observing the rules of social distancing as they line the funeral route, and the widespread use of social media can also help with services being live-streamed. We do the best we can in all circumstances.
This difficult time will pass and we hope it will pass sooner rather than later.
In the meantime let us try as best we can to provide a dignified funeral for each of our lost loved ones. When circumstances permit a more fitting celebration of each life can take place.
I have some meditations on the theme of bereavement on the Insight Timer Meditation App that may be a comfort to you in these difficult times. See the links below.
Our goodbye shouldn’t be like this
Support in a Time of Bereavement
Prayer in the Time of Covid-19
Standing beside someone bereaved
Keep safe
Tony
