Grief, bereavement, mourning, loss…

[shapeshifter]

Yesterday I virtually attended a really lovely and wonderful Memorial service for my cousin. 4 other cousins also only attended online, as did our uncle, who was very important in her life, but he is now 97, so I’m sure having the service offered by live stream was a blessing for him.

It was very healing to see and hear eloquent speakers — a perfect blend of the real world event with the virtual. 

[Gramto6]

I've been to two services virtually. The first was several years ago when a friend on the diabetes forum I moderate passed. He lived back east, so going was not possible, plus he was a fairly well known Opera singer and had friends all over the world so the virtual service was a blessing. They played some of his tapes and I was in awe of his talent. It was a beautiful, moving service very well attended in person and a large virtual audience too. 

The other was actually the graveside service for my friend/neighbor that passed earlier this year. The funeral was private due to their religion. A sect I know nothing about. But the graveside was sweet with remembrances from her family and her husband played and sang for her with his ukulele. I had a dr appointment I couldn't change so was glad to be able to participate virtually.  

Technology is an amazing thing, who would have thought 20 years ago we'd be going to funerals virtually?? It is great for those who just can't be there is person for what ever reason, allowing one to have some closure and feel part of the celebration of the life lost.

[Dimity]

A close friend  died today and I want to talk to my Mom and my sister about it and I can't because they're both gone too.  We four used to "do" the Stratford Festival every year because we  all loved Shakespeare and musicals.   Now no one remembers those times but me.