Grieving During Cornonavirus 2020
The coronavirus has hit our nation swiftly with no forewarning. The whole situation of staying in the house, wearing a mask, constant washing of hands, keeping 6 feet away from others, etc., has put us in quite a whirlwind of sudden changes from what use to be “normal”. We have had to quickly understand and accept the challenges set before us.
In addition to all the new rules and social behaviors, comes the thousands of sudden deaths due to the covid-19 virus, which intensifies our emotions. People across the country are losing family members, friends, and acquaintances and people of the community. Whatever the connection, the suddenness of death has traumatized many who are already dealing with other societal issues, like job loss, no income coming in, no way to pay rent, mortgages, insurance, or buy enough food for the family.
The suddenness of death from covid-19 or any other related morbidities, without the presence of family by your side, can bring on enormous levels of pain and grief, especially to children. They will need to be comforted in the midst of adults who too will need to be comforted as well. Try to be honest with children and work together in sharing memories.
The suddenness of death if there is no insurance has a profound effect on one’s emotions by itself. Not being able to be with a loved one while they are making their transition and then not able to pay for or attend their funeral, causes additional stress and emotional discourse. Family members from out of town, are not able to be with the family and celebrate the homegoing of a loved one, no hugs and kisses, only words and facial expressions of comfort; become new expressions of what has been an essential part of mourning.
One of the most important things that we should do is to reach out to family members via telephone or social media and help each other to cope. It will take some time for reality to sink in to the mental and emotional psyche of individuals, and once it does, then the various stages of grief will set in. There will be a period of shock, denial, anxiety, anger, depression, guilt, and in time, acceptance during the grief journey. It will take a lot of faith, prayer, conversation, mental and spiritual support to help in moving forward to a new course of life.
Sharing with someone who will listen can be therapeutic and is a way of accepting and working through your grief. As time passes and you deal with your grief daily, you will realize that a gradual change is taking place, which is all a part of learning to live with the loss. Adjusting to the changes in life won’t be the same, but it will get better. Better because death can help us to see how short life can be, and how we need to show and share more kindness and love. Life is fragile and must be handled with care and prayer.
As we all unlock the front door and begin to live a new normal; let us hope we will all have recharged our humanly batteries and humbled ourselves, as stated in 2Chronicles 7:14. Let us look to a new day filled with a spirit of love and respect for one another. Let us ask ourselves, what did I learn from this experience? What has it taught me about the reality of life? What can I do to be a better humble person, with a renewed sense of purpose?
Fervent prayer is powerful and so we should pray daily without seizing. Let us think of and say a prayer for the thousands of families who are going through and lift them up to God; for He can comfort their hearts and give them hope for tomorrow. Make the most of your time, treasure every moment and time spent with others, remembering our gift of life is the present. Give God the glory and thank Him daily for His grace and mercy.
May the love, peace and joy of the Holy Spirit abide with you!
MLButts of Memories Lasting Beyond
Email: buttsmyra@yahoo.com