Welcome to this reflection through poetry, art and music, on loss, memory and healing in the wake of the pandemic
This has been a difficult time for so many people. The Covid 19 pandemic has robbed us of opportunities to honour our loved ones who died during such a long period of isolation.
Two members of my family died during this period, my sister and my brother-in-law. We were fortunate in that a group of us were allowed to gather around my sister’s hospital bed in her final moments. It was so special for us.
For both of them I planned a memorial service on Zoom and family and friends were able to pay tribute in many parts of the world. A friend of ours also died at the start of the pandemic and we were only able to gather for the memorial many months later.
It was a strange feeling in that she seemed to have just disappeared from our lives.
I offer this poetic reflection to all of you who share feelings of loss, frustration, devastation, even despair at how difficult it has been to properly and adequately honour the people you have dearly loved.
The poems and prose you will hear touch on so many feelings and fears we have of our own dying, and of coming to that moment when we have to bid our final farewells to a loved one.
But these poems which I have discovered and used in services over a good many years help us to honour those we love, they bring back wonderful memories, wonderful moments.
They sing us back to a healthy life, they lift and inspire us in our journey and they remind us of the healing power of love.
You may want to journey with this reflection slowly over a period of time, to keep coming back to it or you may want to approach it as a whole and then come back to it.
My hope is that it will help you and many others in your journey forward.
The reading of poems are by Bob Commin and Jane Dean. You have the chance to see the poem, and then to listen to the poem being read. A few of the poems require you to click the arrow on the left.
bobcommin.com 
Thank you Bob for these beautiful and meaningful thoughts and readings: I will keep coming back to them to guide my heart and mind.
Many of us have lost people very dear to us and times of reflection are needed to make sense of the pandemic, life and of course death!
I always appreciate your creative thoughts and guidance.
With a heavy heart right now as a result of the passing of a dear friend Helen, these carefully chosen words have helped me personally.
With gratitude
Sue
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My dear Bob and Daphne,
Thank you for sending through your latest post.
Bob, I was very sorry to hear that you had lost your sister and brother-in-law to COVID. The pandemic just seems to go on and on.
I have had my first AZ shot with the second one due in 9/52. Lockdown restrictions are being gradually eased here and I just hope people will stick to the rules especially as we are entering Spring and we have seen the sun over the last few days. I will keep a very low profile at least until June.
Having said that I have booked my flight to SA for Christmas and New Year. I have been able to create a package with all the safeguards I can think of in case I have to cancel, so I am not getting too excited – yet!
Look after yourselves and stay safe.
Love, Liz xx
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Hello Bob,
It’s my first time visiting your blog and I am so sorry for what happened to your sister and brother-in-law. I know its hard to move on but always keep in mind that life must go on.
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Thank you Jaime, you are very kind, much appreciated. Bob
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