At ShareLife, we believe in doing everything we can to help create meaningful, personal events that celebrate a life well-lived, but that’s not as easy when people can’t come together. As we all adjust to this new normal along with the rest of the country, we are challenged to come up with creative solutions to problems we’d never imagine we’d have. With the current limits on group sizes, funerals, memorial services, and celebrations of life have had to be put on pause. So, what happens if someone you care about suffers a loss? How can you support them and offer your condolences while adhering to social distancing rules? Below are just a few options.
- Virtual condolences – many funeral home websites offer ways to pay tribute within an obituary. ShareLife Provider, Boone Funeral Home and Crematory in Bossier City, Louisiana, allows you to post memories, add pictures, even light a virtual candle right in the online obituary. You can also see what other guests have said and share stories and pictures and video.
- Get social – Social media is about as social as we can get right now, so you will probably find many of your friends, family, and neighbors on sites like Facebook and Instagram. Many of our providers, like Heritage Memorial in Warner Robins, GA, offer families the option to share their loved one’s tribute on Facebook. This allows participation from an even wider spread circle of acquaintances. Check with your local provider to get help sharing.
- Make a call – while emailing and texting seem to have taken over in recent years, we now have the rare opportunity to slow down, so it’s a great time to pick up the phone and start a conversation. It is very easy to feel isolated, especially when grieving during this unprecedented time. A familiar voice will go a long way. With platforms like FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom, you can easily add a familiar, smiling face to help connect even more.
- Name a Rose – A ShareLife provider in Ocala, Florida, Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, has found a creative solution- they are offering roses as symbolic placeholders. Friends and family can call and have their name and a personal message written on a card. Hiers-Baxley will attach the card to a rose and place on a seat during a service to symbolize the support that they are offering. We love this idea.
- Grab a pen – everyone likes to receive mail and the postal service is still running, so take the time to write a note. There are some very helpful tips for writing a message of condolence here and here, so send some today. The best part is that your words of sympathy, hope, and encouragement become a permanent keepsake and reminder for the recipient.
We know you and your loved ones want to be together during these times, and we encourage you to also plan celebrations for the future. Services help begin the healing process, but until everyone can be together again, taking advantage of the technology we have and also slowing down and writing a letter or making a call can really make a difference!