2020 has certainly proved to be a year like no other and it would seem that most of us will be pleased to see the back of it. But few – if any – of us can say that we have not been touched by the Pandemic or feel that we have not been changed by it.

During the quiet days of lockdown, many of us took the opportunity to dig deep and have a serious examination of our values. Things that pre-COVID had seemed super important – travelling, socialising, and shopping for instance – were snatched away. Did we miss them? I would say not nearly as much as we would have expected. Surely, by far the hardest rule for fighting the pandemic was and still is “Maintaining Social Distance”.

Who doesn’t crave a kiss and cuddle from a grandchild and a warm or a supportive hug from a relative or friend? Personally, I hadn’t realised I was such a tactile person … I have found myself even missing the formality of shaking hands with acquaintances. I am sorry but the Zoom experience doesn’t even come close.

Without a doubt the cruelest cut – by far – has been endured by those not allowed to spend time at the bedside of a suffering loved one. When every fibre of our being aches to tenderly mop a brow, kiss a dear cheek and gently hold a hand while softly whispering words of comfort, but, instead, many have had to say goodbye to their loved ones via an iPad; hoping that they understand – that they don’t feel abandoned – and that they know how much they are loved and missed.

Undoubtedly it has been hardest for those who have lost loved ones this year who have also not been able to draw comfort and support from family and friends at funerals or share memories at the wakes that follow. Even mourning has been socially distanced and numbers severely limited.

Also at this Remembrance Service , we pay tribute to all those who are no longer with us and offer support to the many people who grieve and feel especially alone during the COVID restrictions or find themselves reluctantly self-isolating over the Christmas holiday.

Unfortunately, following government guidelines, we can’t gather together in the Cedar Hall, but instead I have recorded a short video which I hope will offer some comfort. In it I include the poem and ritual of lighting of the four candles (I should add that this has no connection whatsoever with the Two Ronnies’ “Four Candles “sketch!). If you would like to join in at home just have the candles handy and ready to light with me.

I will also include the following short verse:
Afterglow

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

Thank you for joining me today. Mary Harboe, Celebrant