A Challenging Time to Say Goodbye

Written by Laura Van Sprang, Manager Sands Victoria Funeral Chapel

With everything we are all experiencing at this unprecedented time, imagine also going through the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, this is happening for many families at present and we want you to know that we are here for you.

At Sands, we want to provide the best possible service to every family, who are not only dealing with a pandemic, but have also suffered a tremendous loss. We are finding ways that we can bring the community together for the support that is so needed, without actually being able to come together.

Technology is a way for all of us right now to stay connected and live streaming a service is also an option we can offer. This allows your family and friends to watch from anywhere in the world. We hope this can be of some comfort for those who would like to pay tribute to their loved one and share their story at this time.

Protecting our employees and the families we serve is our top priority and we are closely following updates and adhering to direction from the government, including the recommended social and physical distancing.

We are open, but are taking every necessary precaution, including screening individuals at the door. We are allowing for people to pay their respects and say goodbye to their loved ones, but with staggered arrival times and appropriate distancing. It is also the responsibility of every individual person at this time, to act responsibly. We are all in this together even though we are separated, because it is the right thing to do.

The hardest part for us at the funeral home is having the bereaved leave without the supportive hugs we have all become so accustomed to giving. Everyone is so understanding and we show our support through heartfelt looks and kind gestures.

If the family wishes to postpone services until a later date, we can still assist them in arranging things in advance and remind them that it is never too late to celebrate a life and we will be here to guide them through that time, when the world has healed and we can once again come together and share our grief, as we always have. arbormemorial.ca/en/sands