All of us have been affected one way or another by the newly risen virus and so many from the COVID-19 virus itself. Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by it and have have lost a loved one, it's never easy, especially now. We understand how painfully lonely the current regulations for social distancing makes the grieving processes. We, too, had to experience it here at JP Parker Flowers but let us assure you, you're not alone. Navigating the changes through this can be difficult and trying, but let's try to get through this together.
One of the changes that has occurred is hospitals having to regulate visitations with the person you care about and being able to stay by their side. If you can't get into the hospital to see them, ask if the hospital can set up a way to do a video chat. Also, use this time to write a letter and let them know you're thinking of them and how much you love them. Perhaps slip a picture or two inside and make or buy something to help decorate their room (be careful of being space consciousness though, doctors and nurses will have to work around the space). Even though this isn't how we desire to being there, it's something, and that something can still go a very long way. If you want to know more about some of the local hospitals in Indiana, please visit this website: COVID-19 and hospital restrictions. We also recommend contacting the hospital, as well.
Another one of the biggest changes is traditional methods of how to grieve for a loved one who has passed. During this time gatherings at public funerals filled with mourners who can cry on each other's shoulders or fondly smile while reminiscing together isn't an option. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many funeral homes nation wide are allowing visitations of a ten person rotation period, while maintaining six feet apart. Live stream memorials and alternative options are being offered while in the mean time some families are putting together future plans to gather when the world gets back to a normal state. People are having to think outside of the box from what they have envisioned or the traditions they normally at a time when focus should be on mourning and trying to heal.
In the mean time, perhaps pick some flowers, snap a couple of small budding branches from a tree, reflect on your loved one while creating a simple bouquet to bring to their graveside. Or perhaps create something else that helps you feel connected to them and can leave at their grave. Write a letter of things they knew and you had told them before or perhaps things you wish you had told them. Being able to get your feelings out and express yourself can help release a weight in the heart and on the shoulders. If you catch yourself getting caught in a cycle of regret or guilt about things you could or couldn't have done or things you did or didn't do, call someone you can trust to help you get out of this train of thought. Your loved one would be grateful for you to appreciate what was.
For those who know of someone who can't get to someone they love in the hospital or are grieving, lean in on them. Let them know you are there and around to comfort them. This is a time when they would normally be surround by caring and love, but circumstances has caused no hugs of comfort received, no shoulder is there to cry on, and the ways of connecting are difficult. Remember, for them it wasn’t what they wanted — it wasn’t what they ever would have envisioned — but it is a reality. And now that extra something is what we can offer families and friends seeking connection and a place to express their grief.
Our utmost gratitude and special thanks goes to all those who are working in these conditions of the COVID-19 to help those in need around them and doing their best to provide the best they can. Thank you to all the hospitals, nursing homes and care givers, funeral homes, EMTs, and so many more! It's no easy task to not only care for those needing it plus being put in the position to convey to a family that they cannot come in to visit or are limited to how the process of saying farewell to their loved one is done. It's caused for difficult regulations to enforce and decisions to stand by.
This pandemic has caused impacted us in ways we could never have imagined, but let's continue to stand side by side. Please know, you are not alone.
If you are needing a sympathy piece, visit our: Sympathy Gallery or give us a call.
