We are living in a time out of joint, and we adapt as best we can. Linda’s church is having on-line communion, the House of Representatives is voting remotely, our grandson is supposed to report to his phys-ed teacher on his exercises by email, and Linda talks to her friends on Zoom.
Today we attended a funeral for our friend Helen Torok, who died from the coronavirus. Mourners met in the parking lot of the funeral home, and while some of us did get out of our cars, we were all wearing masks, did not shake hands, and did not even get within six feet of each other.
The family, as most families are today, is scattered but came to Bethlehem for the funeral. Family members stood on the porch of the funeral home (it was raining), and we drove past them, stopping to hand them condolence cards or memories. There was also a service that you could view remotely.
I had wanted very much to talk to Helen’s husband Tibor, but that was not possible. Funerals are times when you share memories (and sorrows). It wasn’t what I would have liked, but it was the best we could do under the circumstances. I think Helen would have understood, and might even have been just a little bit amused.
Wish I could have made it.
ReplyDeleteLike all funerals, it was a sad occasion. Sad in a different way, but still sad.
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