The beauty of love!
On Thursday March 26th, my grandmother Charolette Blount passed away in her home under the care of hospice and our family. The past several months my grandfather, mom, sister and dad cared for her during her decline. Dementia had set in and it was next to impossible to know how long we would have with her. With Covid-19 looming large, our family did our best to spend time with Mawmaw as it seemed the time was coming near.
A few days prior to my grandmothers passing, my dad and grandfather visited the funeral home and worked through the arrangements. I, being a pastor, was asked to officiate. My grandfather, being a vet, requested a small graveside service at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. It was not long after this that COVID-19 caused “Social Distancing” to be enforced at greater measures.
On the day my grandmother passed, we were told that Indiantown Gap was no longer allowing graveside services. We were told ten people would be able to arrive in cars, but would not be allowed to exit their cars. This news was shocking and disappointing. In a moment our plans to celebrate and remember her life were gone. Our plan B options were to to do something small and then a public remembrance later, or do something small and livestream it for friends and family who would not be able to attend. With family in California and Georgia, and a desire not to prolong the grieving process, we chose the latter.
As a pastor who has not led a livestream church service, preparing for a livestream funeral was odd. My family would be present, but other family members and friends would have to choose to watch online. In many ways there was a dual gathering occurring. I felt led to be present with both my family that was in the room with me, but also address those who would be viewing the video. This service was a blessing to me and my family, but no doubt Covid-19’s impact was felt. It was so much different than I would have ever anticipated for my grandmothers funeral.
A beautiful highlight came as we left the funeral home and prepared to leave for the burial. A dear couple, who had watched the service online, was standing on the sidewalk waving to us as we passed. They came to show their love and support!
Our time at Indiantown Gap and the burial was just as strange. We were allowed out of cars, but needed to remain about 100 yards from the grave, behind a fence. In many ways it felt very depersonalized as we stood from afar and watched our dear grandmother be placed in her final resting place.
We are thankful for family and friends who have shown their love and support during this time. There is no doubt Covid-19 is impacting every aspect of life and death.
Feel free to watch our grandmother’s virtual funeral. She was an amazing woman who showed tremendous love and kindness.
