Death is a natural part of life. However, one of the most challenging aspects of 2020 is accepting the fact that many lives were lost this year. Whether your friend or family member passed away because of COVID-19 or not, it is natural to want to pay respects to those who are no longer with us and celebrate the life they lived.
However, there are still some restrictions in place that will prevent the time-honored traditions to take place as they had before. Families and friends of the decedent should still err on the side of caution to make sure that they prevent the further spread of the virus. Although the memorial service may be done in a slightly different way, there are still ways to ensure that the decedent will still be honored as they should.
Memorializing the Dead in a Post-Pandemic World
It is still possible to safely hold a wake for your loved one despite the effects of the pandemic. Here are a few ideas to help you and your family find the right way to grieve during these trying times.
1 – Pay Respects Virtually
It may be a better choice to hold the wake in a virtual setting instead. A virtual wake will allow members of the family as well as other friends of the deceased to “attend” the wake safely. The point of social distancing is to prevent coming into contact with people who possibly have the virus. Holding a wake virtually will allow everyone to pay their respects safely (and in the comfort of their own homes, too.)
2 – Limit the Number of People Present
Should you opt to hold a traditional wake, make sure to limit the number of people physically present at one given time. Remember that social distancing is the key to keeping the virus at bay. Make sure that everyone is wearing face masks and staying distant from each other. It may be a good idea to buy a box of face masks to give to visitors who had forgotten to bring one of their own.
3 – Conduct Video Calls to Console the Grieving Family
If some people are unable to make it to both the physical and virtual wake, they can conduct video calls to help give love to the surviving family of the decedent. People may not be aware of how much positivity they can spread by just uttering a few encouraging words.
4 – Gather Outdoors
One idea is to hold the gathering outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. It will be easier to socially distance guests from one another in a wide, open space rather than in an enclosed room. Also, it may be a nice idea to hold a small memorial service for the decedent in a park or outside a place of worship. It will lift the spirits of all who were bereaved.
Conclusion
Because of the pandemic, we have to alter traditions that have been practiced since time immemorial. However, trying to be safe and cautious does not mean that the event will be less solemn and meaningful. Bereaved family members of the decedent may team up and discuss the best possible way to conduct a respectable wake for their loved one.
Evergreen is not only a cemetery but also a funeral home and crematory. By combining a cemetery, funeral home, and crematory, Evergreen can offer families cost savings along with the convenience of making all their arrangements in one location. Evergreen Funeral Home and Crematory is available to serve your needs, whether you are using Evergreen Cemetery or any other resting place of your choice. If you need cremation services in Jacksonville, contact us today.
