I’m struggling to write this blog. So much has happened over the last couple of weeks! I lost my beloved mother and then my dear, pragmatic mother in law on the night of Mum’s funeral service.
I’ll never forget Thursday the 19th March 2020!
Three days earlier my brother thought he had contracted Covid-19. I received his email directly after my cousin had rung to say that her and her seventy year old husband wouldn’t be attending Mum’s funeral service. This phone call on its own would not have caused any serious concern. However, all my friends had sent their apologies, leaving close family, just one couple, a dear friend and her husband and the lovely carers from Mum’s care home to join the small family gathering,
Panic ensued as I tried to find a vicar to replace my brother. He was taking the service! A friend suggested I contact her vicar and by the end of the evening I had found a replacement.
So not all bad? My daughter and her cousin from Australia were sharing the Tribute. I received a phone call from my daughter early the next morning, two days before the service. She either had a bad dose of flu, or the Coronavirus!
I surpassed panic! My daughter was very ill. I had to stay away from her and hope she would recover! A few hours later I received a phone call from my brother. He had woken up that morning feeling well, no high temperature and no cough. He rang 111 and was released from self isolation as his symptoms had lasted less than forty eight hours!
So I had to cancel the kind vicar who had offered herself as a replacement. Back on track? Alas not! We also had to cancel the wake. Due to the small number attending the funeral and ‘self distancing’ advice from the government, the decision was made with a heavy heart.
Thursday dawned, dull but dry. My mobile rang in the kitchen and my brother in law answered. My mother in law had been found unconscious and was being rushed to hospital! My husband decided to attend my mother’s funeral and then go to Leeds. His brother was already on his way to the hospital so would keep him updated.
My Australian niece and nephew managed to set up a link so that family and friends around the world were able to join us for the service. This meant so much to me and went a long way to ease the distress of the absence of my daughter and close family members. My daughter was able to give her tribute, which we heard loudly and clearly and she felt so much better being able to take part. I shall remain forever grateful to these two special young people!
Unfortunately my mother in law passed away that night. Bereft of both mother and mother in law and draconian travel restrictions now in place makes administration requirements almost impossible. Solicitors, death certificates, funeral arrangements must all be managed remotely. Kind neighbours are helping remove perishables and looking after my mother in law’s house.
We are where we are and ‘all in this together’! There is nothing we can do but knuckle down and wait for the Coronavirus pandemic to pass. By staying at home we are doing our bit to bring this virus under control. Nothing lasts forever, neither the good nor the bad. This was one of my lovely mother’s sayings.
So, Rest in Peace two very special ladies. You leave your legacy of dignity, care, kindness, compassion and a whole lot of love. We’ll miss you but our precious memories live on. Gone but never forgotten❤️
Jenny Burrell 