The Curious Ways of our Times

 Saying goodbye properly and paying one’s respects is very important when someone dies. This is something that has become very difficult during the current pandemic. We were discouraged from travelling very far and from mixing with a lot of people. This has obviously been a necessary precaution but goes against our normal reactions to be able to remember loved ones and support  those who are bereaved.

There have been a couple of funerals that I would in normal circumstances have attended but was prevented by current circumstances. They were of course both in my thoughts. I have also attended a socially distanced scattering of ashes. This was held in the grounds of the Methodist Chapel that I normally attend. What also touched me greatly at this service was the emotion shown by one of the ladies at simply being back close to her church even though she was not able to enter the building. So hard for people like her who have probably attended church nearly every Sunday throughout their lives. Our first Sunday service with the new precautions in pace is scheduled for this weekend. I hope to be able to go so should be able to tell you more next week.

However today it was the funeral of a relative. Farmer Husband’s cousin’s wife lost her struggle against a long illness. We felt that we wanted to pay our respects. It was quite understandable that close family and friends would be those that could attend the service with numbers limited to 30. We decided however to stand outside to show our support. They live in a close knit village where she had lived all her life. She was a popular, social lady who had been involved in a lot of local concerns. This was reflected in the number of people lining the road as the funeral cortege passed.

What bizarre times we are going through. Would the church with origins in the 14th century have ever seen anything like this? The vicar greeting the procession in his surgical mask. The bearers in smart black face coverings. The mourners clutching their masks and donning them as they entered the church. Minimal physical greetings between the bereaved.

Once the service started we were able to gather at safe distances from each other close to the church porch. No singing was allowed in the church but we had been given orders of service and had been told we could sing outside. Two hymns were broadcasted on the sound system within the church and with the assistance of some hearty singers just outside the door we all sang in our strongest voices “Lord of the Dance” and then Give Me Joy in my Heart”. It was an emotional moment and I had difficulty controlling my voice. We learnt afterwards that we could be heard within and were indeed thanked for our efforts.

I feel we did our bit to say goodbye and support our relatives in the only way we can during these difficult times.