Sad Reality

funeral service
Facebook Live
Laramie, WY
Monday, April 13, 2020
A member of my church family died recently after a long battle with cancer. In Wyoming, under social distancing requirements, only ten or fewer people can gather together in one room, and they should be up to six feet apart. Based on these requirements, the family gave the pastor permission to stream the funeral service for the rest of the congregation and family friends.

It broke my heart to see the empty church and the gentleman's family separated in the first three pews on the right. One of the pallbearers sat in an adjoining room with his wife.

While watching the service, I reflected on this sad reality caused by the coronavirus. COVID-19 has changed our world and continues to change our daily lives and behavior.

Comments

  1. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, Nancy. My mom attended a service the other day and folks lined up in their cars and stood beside them during the service. I agree with you - that photo is heartbreaking.

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  2. Sorry for the loss and yes this is our sad reality right now. Grateful for the church following the recommendations and live streaming for friends.

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  3. A death is so brutal for a family under normal circumstances but this is so raw. I am so sorry for the isolation especially in this situation. My heart goes out to you and the family as a whole!

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  4. Oh that is just too sad. Breaks my heart.

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  5. That is so sad. I am afraid you are right about this being our new reality.

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  6. I agree - so sad. I've had 2 friends lose aged parents in nursing homes in the past couple of weeks. Neither died of this virus, but I have to wonder if not having visitors led to their decline and passing. Another friend told me last night that her mom (also in nursing home) was having a rough day of panic and it broke her heart that she couldn't go and sit with her to try to calm her.

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  7. That is sad, but at least technology still allowed others to be there in spirit

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  8. I'm so sorry for your loss. This virus has definitely impacted not only daily routines, but also how we commemorate significant events. One of my cousins died at the end of March, but the extended family won't be able to gather for a celebration of life until after the social distancing requirements are lifted. In the meantime, we are sharing photos/memories on social media family group pages.

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  9. I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad the family could say goodbye though.

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  10. This is so sad and a terrible reality right now. We had a similar issue with a beloved friend who passed last month. We were very grateful for the service being streamed over Facebook. The lack of physical hugs is devasting to the family and other people who are mourning. My prayers are with you and your friends family.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  11. So sad, but I am glad the funeral was live streamed that will help some people. I read that one funeral home was having drive through visitation :(

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  12. OH NANCY. Im so sorry for your loss. Grief is tough enough when we use the rituals we have learned to say our goodbyes. Big hugs to you

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  13. Funerals these days are a sad reality indeed. Here in New Zealand during level 4 only the family members in the house bubble as the deceased are allowed to attend. Sadly no visitors are allowed to see patients in hospital. Soon we will be dropping to level 3 and 10 people will be allowed at funerals, well spaced out, no close contact and no refreshments allowed. It must be so sad for those who have lost family and friends.

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  14. Not a easy time to grieve. Jenny's comments about levels and what they mean are interesting. I've been impressed with Va's governor and his actions. On the other hand he is a pediatrician and obviously understands what needs to be done. I don't see this state opening for business for a while though. Take good care of yourself.

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  15. I am so sorry for your loss. I don't think our lives are ever going to be the same that's for sure.

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  16. As mentioned above by someone, hopefully they can have a celebration of life later on. It is a very sad reality. And worse is that those with the virus are dying alone.

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