Death and Grief During a Pandemic

Nicole – Grieving as a community

Nicole discusses the power of grieving together as a community. Finding connection and trust.

Zoreena – Ask for help

Zoreena explains how important it is to ask for help

Karyn and Aidan – Supporting each other

Karyn and Aidan talk about how they supported each other and how they coped with John being hospitalized

Christian – Language around those pushed to the margins

Christian talks about how people who are pushed to the margins are not discussed as part of our community and how we need to include them. As a community how do we care for our neighbours and how do we mourn the loss of our neighbours

Michele – My Story

MIchele talks about her multiple losses starting from when she was very young

Michele – Covid and virtual support

MIchele discuss support and how COVID has affected our grief in so many waysort

Jane – My Story

Jane shares her story about losing two of her grandparents just before the pandemic and the ways the pandemic has impacted her ability to process grief.

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.

Karyn and Aidan – Planning a celebration of life during COVID

Karyn and Aidan discuss creating a celebrating of life during the pandemic

Maureen – “Permission to mourn”

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

Kim – Self care

Kim talks about looking after yourself and how much it helps. In particular be kind to yourself

Christian – COVID amplified the inequities in society

Christian talks about those that have very little and how COVID amplified their difficulties