This year for Remembrance Day, I put on a pot of coffee early in the morning and settled in to watch the Remembrance Service in Ottawa.  It was very different than in years past and although solemn and respectful, it was missing the crowds – really it was missing a community of kindred spirits gathering together to remember the sacrifices that this country, individuals, and for many of us, family members made to defend the Canadian ideals of human rights and democracy.  

I was surprised by the emotion and memories of Remembrance Days past that watching the service evoked.  As a teenager, I was a member of the Edmonton Sea Cadet marching band.  It was often a frosty march (a cool -10) from the Montgomery Legion to the Cenotaph at the top of the river valley.  Having to march with your mouth-piece cupped in your hand, so it wouldn’t stick to your lip when you start to play, is an experience shared by many a prairie trumpet player!  

I have fond memories when my son was in Beavers and Cubs of going to the local Town Hall in Ma-Me-O Beach, to participate in the Remembrance Service and lunch, and watching the veterans and young children pay tribute to past and ongoing conflicts.  

As a minister in Killam, the Ministerial always marched out to the Cenotaph with the Legion members, led by a young farmer who had served two tours of duty in Afghanistan.  After a quick march, two minutes of silence, the last post, and the laying of wreaths, we would scurry out of the brisk prairie wind to one of the local churches for a Remembrance Church Service and then move on to the Community Centre for a roast beef lunch and open bar, sponsored by the Legion.  

For the last 10 years, I always found it to be a significant experience to be part of the large crowds at Spirit Square in Campbell River, gathering to mark Remembrance Day.  Although I was an observer rather than a participant, it was always meaningful to greet members of the congregation who often shared their memories of Canada at war and peacekeeping around the world.  

Why is this so important this year?  Well, I came to a realization.  As COVID not only drags on but begins to escalate in Canada and around the world, many of us are suffering from COVID fatigue, lethargy, depression and a general malaise.  And there are a number of reasons for that; including isolation, worry about the future, concern for ourselves and our families, and economic hardship for many.  But what I came to realize is that the one effect that we may not be acknowledging is many of us are suffering from grief.  We are grieving many lost things during this time of COVID even though we have a hope that these losses are temporary rather than permanent.  Regardless – grief is grief.  

And that is what I was feeling this past November 11.  Grief for the loss of a Remembrance Day that had become very meaningful to me over the years. But not just that, I could identify a number of other things I was grieving.  

I think it behoves us to take a look at our lives and ask ourselves, “In this time of COVID, what am I grieving?”  Then you can begin the work of healing by naming what you have lost and openly sharing it with another human.  Accept that grief is a normal reaction to loss and give yourself permission to feel it. Share your grief with God and trust that God feels your pain.  Don’t be afraid to reach out.  

One of my roles as Minister of Pastoral Care is to journey with people during life transitions. And grief is one of those.  If you would like to contact me; you can text or phone at 250-203-7258 or email me at care@comoxunited church.com I’m available to talk on the phone and I can now meet with people in my office, following a safe protocol, that has been approved by Comox United Church.   One of the most powerful texts in scripture is found in John 11:35, “Jesus wept.” It is a good thing to remember, we are not alone in our grief.   Amen