Over the past year the impact of the coronavirus meant that we have had to do things differently. Established traditions and some protocols had to change with regard to how we could say goodbye to our loved ones and some welcome acceptance of new ways have left us with more choice. Maybe people will in the future welcome some of these breaks with tradition and choose for themselves how they want to say goodbye.
Big funerals are out, giving way to a more intimate ceremony for family and close friends to say goodbye.
It's a very difficult and sensitive time when a close family member dies, especially if that person was well loved and respected by lots of friends, their community and work colleagues. Over the past year a number of families have sighed with relief that the reduced numbers allowed to attend the ceremony gave them the excuse to have a quiet and intimate farewell to their loved one. Memorial ceremonies, life celebrations and getting together with those people and remembering the person who has died can all still happen, but can take place later giving a grieving family time to adjust before they face the well meaning friends and colleagues.
Soon we hope that singing can be shared again and mourners if they wish can arrive together in limousines and there will be no more strict rules about touching the coffin and how many people are allowed to attend.
In the future if you are in the unfortunate position of having to plan the funeral of a loved one stop to consider first what type of ceremony you want to create and know that you don't have to follow tradition. Don't hesitate to call me. I can help you create the perfect ceremony to honour and remember your loved one.
