Celebrating life in the time of Covid

 

My Uncle Blair passed away one week ago today in Nanaimo, BC.  He was 86.  Uncle had been sick for many months, getting constant care from my Aunt Germaine, several sons, and home care nurses. 

With Covid restrictions and the number of infections rising across the country on a daily basis, it was too difficult and dangerous for family and friends to participate in the celebration of life in person.  Instead, the family prepared a marvellous celebration of life on Zoom.

Being able to see the faces and hear the voices of my Aunt and cousins brought it all home for me.  Each shared profound thoughts, stories and emotions about their dad.  While Joel, Guy, Marc and Alain are all slightly older than me, my older brother Keith and I spent a lot of extended time with their family in Edmonton when I was young. Distance hasn't allowed me to see them enough, so seeing them and hearing them in this virtual celebration of life was very meaningful to me. 

I made myself a cup of tea (which I never do), sat in front of our fireplace with my iPad, and allowed myself to listen, laugh, reflect and feel.  

Apparently, my uncle's favourite movie was Singing in the Rain (1952).  The title song and dance with Gene Kelly was the perfect way to end this virtual celebration of a life well lived.  Bless you Uncle Blair.  Rest well.