The world has moved on. But those who lost loved ones to COVID-19 feel stuck in time
The pain and trauma experienced by those who lost loved ones to COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic continue to haunt them nearly five years later. The inability to hold the hands of their dying family members, say a proper goodbye, or even attend a traditional funeral has left deep scars that have yet to heal. As the world moves on, these individuals feel stuck in March 2020, frozen in time by the grief and loss they continue to endure.
Simar Anand recalls the heart-wrenching moment he was allowed just two minutes, wearing a hazmat suit, to say goodbye to his father through a glass window. Gurinder Singh Anand, the beloved owner of a Montreal restaurant, lost his battle with COVID-19 at just 57 years old, leaving behind a legacy of authentic Punjabi cuisine and deep connections within his community. Anand struggles to come to terms with the fact that the world has moved on, while he remains stuck in the pain of his father’s passing.
Maureen Ambersley, a dedicated nurse who cared for others until the very end, was intubated on New Year’s Eve 2020 and passed away just days later. Her daughter Ashley is haunted by the fact that she was unable to be by her mother’s side in her final moments. The selfless sacrifices her mother made throughout her life only add to the weight of grief and loss that Ashley carries every day.
For Erica Surette, the death of her mother Patricia West has become the focal point of a class-action lawsuit against the long-term care home where her mother contracted COVID-19. Surette is determined to seek justice for her mother and all the other residents who lost their lives due to negligence and lack of proper care. She refuses to let her mother’s death be in vain and hopes that by fighting for change, she can honor her mother’s memory.
Samantha Monckton’s father, Garry Monckton, was a talented musician who brought music and joy into their home. When he fell ill with COVID-19, Samantha played the trumpet outside his window in a final tribute to their shared love of music. The memory of his waving hands in response to her music is a bittersweet reminder of the deep connection they shared, even in his final days.
As the world marks the five-year anniversary of the pandemic, these individuals and many others like them continue to grapple with the profound loss and trauma they experienced in those early days. The memories of their loved ones, the pain of their final goodbyes, and the ongoing fight for justice and change serve as a poignant reminder of the toll that COVID-19 has taken on families across Canada.
