03 455 2128
Traffic Light Funerals - Red Phase 3
March 3, 2022
Autumn is here and we are in "red phase 3"
This Covid Omicron outbreak is moving very fast - especially in the South and it is taking us all a while to get our heads around it ( and everything else that is happening around the world right now).
There is definitely more anxiety out there and we are noticing that more people out there and we are noticing that more people are choosing to watch services online rather than being there in person. This is especially noticeable as more people test positive or have to self-isolate.
So what is the difference in Phase 3 of Traffic Light Red as far as funerals go? The answer is not very much, however, the borders opening for New Zealanders returning from Australia is a huge relief for those who desperately have been wanting to come home to be with dying relatives or at a loved one's funeral.
These are the main points under Red:
- For a service where everyone has a Vaccine Pass there can be up to 100 people in a single defined space. We do have access to a self-contained overflow space with screens, separate exits and bathrooms, so larger services can be managed if required.
- For a service without vaccine passes, there is a limit of 25 people based on 1-metre distancing. We suggested that these services should be by private invitation.
What plans do we have in place?
- Please call us to make an appointment rather than popping in. We will be asking if you have a Vaccine Pass when you contact us so that we can schedule your visit appropriately.
- We can organise most details over the phone or remotely, so if you are concerned about coming into the office, let us know if this is an option for you.
- We are scheduling services so that there is plenty of time in between to ventilate and sanitise.
- We are ensuring our staff have appropriate PPE, and we have recently obtained a supply of RAT's so we will be regularly self-testing.
- We are continuing to offer love streaming at no charge from our chapel. (There is still no charge for hosting the on-demand service if required). This means people who cannot attend in person, for whatever reason, can still watch the service in real-time.
Writing down my wishes
How Victorians Mourned
Because pets can't speak their grief often manifests in behavioural changes
Making the decision to euthanise a pet is never easy
We’re often asked whether children should be involved after a family member's death, and if so, how? While you know your children best, our general advice is to include them as much as possible. Children will take cues from the adults around them, so if you're open and honest, they will likely follow suit. Answer their questions directly but avoid unnecessary details unless they're asked. Their inquiries will be shaped by their age and previous experiences, such as the death of a pet. Children under 7 may not fully understand that death is permanent, universal, and involves the body stopping completely. They may ask more literal questions, like "Who will Nan play with in heaven?" or "Who will take me to the park?"
In some cultures, being around the deceased is a natural part of life, but in Western culture, we’ve moved away from this. At Gillions, we believe in supporting families to be as involved as they wish in caring for their loved one after they’ve passed. This may include helping to dress them, spending time with them, or bringing them home before the funeral. While it’s natural to feel unsure about this, we often hear from families that the experience was deeply meaningful. Dressing a loved one can feel like a final act of love, especially if you helped care for them before they passed. We encourage children to be part of this process too.
Grief is a deeply personal journey, influenced by past experiences and the circumstances of loss. When a death is sudden, for instance, grief can feel more complex and harder to navigate than when the death was expected. While many find their own path through grief, others may require additional support
It is not just children who are deeply affected by the loss of a pet. Grief is a price we pay for love.
I still remember the heartache of putting our beautiful girl, Keira, to sleep after 15 years with us. We had a deep bond. She travelled with us overseas and to different cities. Her demise was very sudden and came as such a shock. Pets provide unconditional love, happiness, and joy. When that is taken away, there is a void left in their place. They are a loved member of the family. Some may not understand the depth of your grief, but for you, it is real. At Gillions, we have all lost pets. The grieving process cannot be forced or hurried; for some, it can be measured in years. Reaching out to others who have lost pets can help ease the grieving process. Since 2019, we have held an annual pet memorial—a funeral for your pet. We include the elements of a traditional funeral: a musician, celebrant, a slideshow of all the loved pets, a memorial tree, and light refreshments afterwards. Our next pet memorial will be held on Sunday, October 6th, at 2 pm in the Gillions Chapel. Please send your photos to pets@gillions.co.nz by September 30th. If you are unable to attend in person, we will live-stream the service. "Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way." - Franz Kafka (1883-1924)
Address
407 Hillside Road
South Dunedin
Dunedin 9012
Contact
03 455 2128
Office@Gillions.co.nz
