Turn, turn, turn

In the summer of 2005, on a Sunday morning, my grandfather passed away. As we were making arrangements for a Wednesday funeral, that Tuesday afternoon, my grandmother, on my Mom’s side, died too. Her funeral was planned for the following Saturday morning. After a whirlwind week, I remembered mentioning to my wife that the funeral process moves very fast from the time someone is in our life, until we say goodbye, and they are gone.

It has been said countless times this year, we are in unprecedented times. Death marches on, grief sets into our hearts; that has not changed. With new protocols, restrictions and requirements, we help families navigate this new season of funeral service. From mandatory masks, x’s littering the carpet to mark out social distancing and the lack of hugs and kisses going around, we strive to bring a sense of normalcy to the families we serve.

In the 1960’s, the band The Byrds recorded their hit single Turn, Turn, Turn. I am sure just mentioning the title, many of you are now humming the tune. The vast majority of the lyrics are taken from selected verses in the book of Ecclesiastes, from the Bible. Some include, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;”

This is yet another season we are living through. Support for each other in our families and communities are vital; especially at a time of loss. When gathering for support of one another is now limited, take the time to reach out be email or a handwritten note. Take the time to register and come in person to the funeral home. Take the time to make an old-fashioned voice call and let them know you care. This is a season like no other, but with some creativity and intentionality, the love and support we all need will carry on.