As we’ve all toiled through the many difficulties and hardships associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been an unrelenting hope about our world getting back to “normal times.”

Unfortunately, with the rise of the delta variant of the virus, it’s unclear when exactly we can expect for life as we knew it pre-pandemic to return.

If you’ve lost a loved one during this time, you likely didn’t get to say goodbye in the way that you envisioned or hoped. Perhaps you and a small number of your family members had to gather outside in a tent on a cold day … maybe you had to watch your loved one’s service through a livestreaming platform … or maybe, if your loved one died during the height of the pandemic, you didn’t get to attend a service at all.

While these examples mentioned above were great solutions during tougher times and helped us to cope with loss during an unprecedented time, it doesn’t mean that you can’t hold another memorial or event down the road.

Our team of caring professionals has in-depth experience with planning events of all kinds. By sharing examples of what is possible, we hope this will remind you of the many options you have when it comes to celebrating a life well-lived.

Plan a Personalized Memorial Service

Whether you lost your loved one last spring or this spring, it’s never too late to hold a special event in their honor. You might consider hosting a service on the one-year anniversary of their death or a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. No matter when you choose to hold this event, it’s important to incorporate special details that share the story of his or her life. While there are still some COVID-19 restrictions, because of the summer weather, you can hold an event outside, perhaps at one of the campuses located within our beautiful Memorial Park. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of caring professionals for help.

Host a Happy Hour or Informal Dinner

The event you choose to hold doesn’t have to be formal — it could be informal, perhaps as a happy hour or simply an intimate meal shared with close friends and family members. Whether you want everyone to toast to your loved one with their favorite wine or maybe enjoy your grandmother’s best chicken casserole recipe, there is no request too big or too small. At Cypress Lawn, we’re able to accommodate groups of all sizes and can handle all the catering logistics for you through our reception services. Instead of having to deal with the hassle of finding a restaurant that will accommodate your group, you’ll be able to meet in a more private area that is optimized for gatherings.

These are just a few examples of the many ways that we celebrate life at Cypress Lawn. No matter what your family may need in the weeks and months following the death of your loved one, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Whether you need help finding a grief support group or want to learn more about hosting a memorial service at a later date, we stand ready to walk with your family every step of the way.