Funerals

My uncle died last week. It was expected. He was very sick and had been for a long time.

Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, only 10 people are allowed at funerals and that's provided they follow the social distancing rules of 1.5 meters away from each other and with 4sqm of space per person. The 'ten people' also includes the funeral staff. This is necessary and I don't dispute that.

It just seems cruel, so hurtful to finish a life without the family gathering. What is a funeral or a Wake without family and friends, without hugs and tears on shoulders, without hands held and long laughter’s shared, without small kids squished and snuggled and their promises of childhood and growing reveled in.

All we can do is wait. Wait until Covid-19 crisis has passed. Then we can mourn as a family, collectively and in the same space as each other. This is a hard time to carry grief alone.

Then again, I understand that Funerals now-a-days are being live-streamed; people can view the “service” via internet & video linkup … who would’ve thought?

Rebecca