Anyone like me who loses their parents early envies those blessed to still be able to share family times & Mothers Day and Fathers Day. But reading so many stories of beloved parents passing from the virus with no family present & their funerals unattended is heartbreaking.

As the first in my cohort of friends to lose both parents, I became a sort of expert in helping friends deal with loss and grief...but I have absolutely no idea what you say to someone whose beloved parents passed without them being there with them as the hour of death approached

All I can say is that when your parents (or other loved one) passes, it is like your world has ended. The grief engulfs you no matter how expected or sudden. But the world continues on, relentlessly, and, especially, is indifferent to your loss. So be a friend to those who mourn.

My pinned tweet captures the experience of loss and grief better than any tweet. But especially at this time, be a friend to those who cannot be by their loved one’s side as their hour comes and they pass. It is a cruelty that no one should have to suffer. John 11:35

Have never been more thankful for being able to be present for & accompany both my parents at the hour of their passing than now - this is just heart-breaking https://twitter.com/Alicia_Smith19/status/1263362476277665792

Thanks for everyone's responses here to this thread and the many DMs. Suspect we all need to talk about these matters more but especially for those whose grief now not only overwhelms them but in the circumstances of farewells denied. I wish I had something more profound to say.

I might write something along the lines of this thread as it has obviously struck a chord with many and we probably need to talk about loss and grief all the more - also so that the dying and their loved ones can never be put through this needless cruelty ever again.

"God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4)