October Care Ministries

Pandemic Grief

You may feel distress from loss or change during the COVID-19 pandemic; you may feel grief due to loss of a job; inability to connect in-person with friends, family or religious organizations; missing special events and milestones (such as graduations, weddings, vacations); and experiencing drastic changes to daily routines and ways of life that bring comfort. You may also feel a sense of guilt for grieving over losses that seem less important than loss of life. Grief is a universal emotion; there is no right or wrong way to experience it, and all losses are significant. Here are some ways to cope with feelings of grief:

  • Acknowledge your losses and your feelings of grief.
  • Find ways to express your grief. Some people express grief and find comfort through art, gardening, writing, talking to friends or family, cooking, music, gardening or other creative practices.
  • Consider developing new rituals in your daily routine to stay connected with your loved ones to replace those that have been lost.
  • People who live together may consider playing board games and exercising together outdoors.
  • People who live alone or are separated from their loved ones may consider interacting through phone calls and apps that allow for playing games together virtually.
  • If you are worried about future losses, try to stay in the present and focus on aspects of your life that you have control over right now.

Each Day a Gift

It is hard to believe that fall is here already. The famous “pumpkin spice” returns in our coffees, teas, and candle scents. The leaves are turning and a coolness in the air brings on the changing of the seasons. This is a reminder to me of the verse: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecc. 3:1)

People should try to accept each day as a gift from the hand of God because God has a reason and a time for all things. People may be ignorant of God’s timing, but they are called to enjoy life in the present and trust in God. God offers so much wisdom in the saying, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Our activity in this world is meaningful as we rely on His wisdom, His timing, and His goodness.

Director of Care Ministries Brenda Lytle, RN

(Reprinted from the Oct. 2021 newsletter)