Memorial service since COVID-19 lockdown...

Yesterday, I attended a memorial service for an elder in our church who passed away during our August 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, as there was a community outbreak of the virus and the lockdown was to stop it from spreading further.

During that time, the family was unable to have a family service with the usual rituals associated with funerals within the church.

As a result, the family was only able to have a restricted funeral service and the church was unable to be there to support them and many found out about it after the funeral had been completed.

A year later, the beautiful memorial service that I attended, was a time that the family was able to have a family service with church members and share in memories of their late mother, grandmother and great grandmother, church family member and friend. 

It reminded me of the fragility of life but also how to a single mother and a widow for 40+ years was able to bring up her three young children surrounded by the love of her family. She was able to leave in peace with her descendants mourning at the loss of one who lived, loved and laughed. A fitting memorial post COVID-19 lockdown with treasured memories for all...