Jill Izzard, 78
Brickhill, Bedford

ALONE

On a beautiful sunny morning during late April 2020 my husband who had been suffering from Melanoma, died peacefully at home. For two weeks before he died every morning and evening,  and sometimes midday, two Sue Ryder nurses would call to wash him and make him comfortable, they had so much time and compassion for him and me. I thought of them as guardian angels.

I am now at home alone. Tony  is waiting at The Funeral Directors. Alone.

Our  daughter and son both in their homes are also alone.  Alone due to Coronavirus.

No hugging, no touching. Each family member will be two metres apart when we attend Tony’s Funeral. We’ll all stand alone. Tony will be alone in his coffin which will be covered with flowers.

 At the funeral, a very small gathering,  we shall stand alone and leave our blessings with both Tony and other loved ones at The Crematorium...we shall then leave this beautiful place and travel home....once more to be alone.

 How much aloneness can a person endure?

The unprecedented invasion of a deadly virus has meant many thousands of people have died. They and their loved ones are now alone.

How I long for the day when the loneliness eases... and no one need ever be alone again in death or life.

Jill