My mother died in March as COVID-19 was starting to surge. At 94, her body simply had gone into lockdown.
The funeral was most unusual. South Florida was becoming a hot spot for the virus. Beaches, restaurants, and hotels were closing or shut down. My wife and I spent the night before the funeral three counties away and drove in. The service was graveside. No indoor funerals allowed, and even outside the limit was 10 people. The service was short but sweet – she was a believer in Christ. Afterwards, we were told no congregating permitted. Even workers at the cemetery were nervous to be there.
Over the years, I’ve covered a lot of disasters but never one like the coronavirus with an overhang of fear. Death and sickness, loss of a business or a job, worry over the present and future are part of day-to-day conversations. As a result, when I interview people, I find myself trying to be a little more patient, understanding and kind.
As my pastor has said, “Look up during the lockdown.”
– Mike Pare, deputy business editor, mpare@timesfreepress.com