Death and Grief During a Pandemic

Maureen – “Permission to mourn”

Maureen explains about grief being valid and how important it is to look after yourself.

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Special Days

When we are grieving, some days are more difficult than others. Grief comes in waves like the sea and can feel like an intertwining labyrinth of emotions. Birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates that are associated with our loved one who has died can contribute to more emotionally intense days which can be worsened through the anticipation and “what ifs” of the upcoming day. These difficult days can leave us feeling defeated and it can almost feel like we’ve taken two steps backward in our grieving process, but grief does not have a timeline, and these feelings of setbacks are opportunities for healing.

Maureen – Isolated in a nursing home

Maureen talks about her father-in-law isolated and palliative during the pandemic

Jean – It’s all about love

Jean talks about losing her husband to a heart attack on valentines day

Lynda – “Zoom and the importance of connecting”

Lynda discusses why it’s important to stay connected and how you can do it.

Kim – It’s different during a pandemic

Kim talks about how the pandemic influenced how they were able to deal with her Mum’s death

Maureen – End stages during a pandemic

Maureen talks about the end stages of her father-in-law during the pandemic.

Zoreena – Burnout and counseling

Zoreena talks about her father’s decline in a nursing home during COVID

Karyn and Aidan – Support from others

Karyn and Aidan discuss how family, friends, and people they didn’t know in the community supported them.Talking, meals, dog walking are among the things that made a huge difference.

Karyn and Aidan – Going forward

Karyn and Aidan talk about Aidan’s wedding after John died and how they continue to cope

Adrianna – Pandemic, funerals and celebration of life

Adrianna talks about the death of her friend during pandemic