We’re living in really tough times right now. There are all kinds of restrictions on movement, on work, and sadly on funerals. Even worse, this is also a time where it feels like we’re losing more people than we would normally be. This is all due to the ongoing pandemic. Then there is the fact that there are restrictions on how many people can attend a funeral, if anyone.

It's likely we may lose someone close to us, and we may also not have the chance to say goodbye at a funeral, so what should you do instead?

Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels

It stands to reason that, unfortunately, it’s likely we may lose someone close to us. We may also not have the chance to say goodbye at a funeral, so what should you do instead?

Saying Goodbye Another Way

There are many things you could do personally to say goodbye to a friend or loved one. In many cultures lighting a candle and saying a prayer is still a simple yet effective way of getting some closure, but what about if you wanted to show your sympathy outwardly?

It’s always best checking with a funeral director as to the best approach to take when sending gifts or memorials. Funeral directors like Exithere.com have many years of experience in helping families and friends say goodbye under even the most testing of circumstances.

Here are five ideas to consider if you can’t make your friend or loved one’s funeral.

Send Some Flowers

Sending flowers is a very traditional way of saying goodbye and offering sympathy. Check with the family if there are any religious concerns or any allergies, and don’t send lilies if the family have cats.

Make A Contribution

Many families will ask for no flowers to be sent, but rather a donation made to a charity in their name. This is a beautiful way to honor someone. If there is no charity selected, or if their death was a shock, there might be a crowdfunding option that you can contribute to, to help the family out.

Create A Memorial

Making a memorial is a lovely way to keep the memory alive. This can come in many forms, from a little memorial such as a scrapbook with photographs to a bigger memorial like sponsoring a bench in the local park. This is best discussed with the family of the deceased as to what would be best.

Make A Care Package

Death comes to us all, but it always leaves people behind. In the days and weeks after someone’s passing, families of the deceased have a lot to organize. The funeral, the flowers, the readings, and of course, all of the paperwork.

This would be the perfect opportunity to send a care package but don’t fill it with lots of garnish sweets and candy, go for more simple things like cookies, and a nice hot chocolate drink, possibly a miniature of the deceased’s favorite tipple.

Offer Help

In the same vein as a care package, the death of a loved one can send some people into a downward spiral. If you can’t make the funeral, see if there is anything you can do to help, even offering to call around to invite others or monitor a memorial group on social media can be a great help to a family who has lost someone.