By Jessica Bashir Stone
Over the past year, many people have experienced personal loss, coming at a difficult time when our mental health is already suffering. Many people ae currently experiencing mental health challenges, which have worsened due to not being able to see our loved ones because of the pandemic.
This can be especially difficult when a close relative or friend becomes seriously ill, or passes on.
Georgia Gillard, a veterinary assistant from Horley, has experienced the loss of her nan as well as the death of her beloved family dog, Moko, in the past year.
Gillard’s family was allowed to visit her nan for the last time, but she says it was not the experience she expected.
“We were told she would get a private room. She didn’t, so as she lay there saying her last words, a room full of eight or so others could hear and see us,” says Gillard.
“With my dog, we were only allowed two people in at a time to say goodbye, then one person stayed with her whilst she was put down.”
For anyone, it’s hard to say goodbye to someone you love. Gillard wasn’t able to see her dog and felt very unconnected as she had to stay in the car with the rest of her family.
“I wish I was in the room with my dog; she must have been so confused. Dogs don’t understand!”
Her nan’s death was even harder. The government announced that during lockdown, funerals with large groups of groups of people in attendance would be banned, along with weddings and other large gatherings. Due to this, many of Gillard’s family members had to watch the funeral over Zoom.
“I was one of the lucky ones able to attend, but my other family members felt almost let down. To an extent, it’s like watching a YouTube video. It’s meant to be so personal, but it’s not.
“It’s understandable, like I know why people weren’t allowed in, but even with my nan? It’s not fair!”
Many people have critiqued how the government have dealt with the pandemic and the restrictions they put in place.
When asked what she would do differently if she had the choice, Gillard said: “If I were the vet, I would have let us all in. We all live under the same roof [and] the vet wasn’t even in the room.”
With restrictions hopefully being lifted soon, more people will be able to attend the funerals of those they love.
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