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My uncle passed away yesterday.
It was not long after I had written an entry to these files. It wasn't COVID-19 related, and it wasn't in Australia. He was back in my country of origin, far away from Australian shores.
As he took his last breaths, we had a video-call on Whatsapp to say our goodbyes. There were lockdown restrictions in force, so not many could be physically by his side. However, technology allowed us to have a last moment with him.
It was surreal. The family is in mourning, but the distance does buffer me from the immediacy of the occasion. There is an added dimension of dislocation to the grief, not being able to be back there with the extended family.
It also heightens my worry for my mum, who is elderly and has a litany of health issues. If anything happens to her, it might not be easy for me to jump on a plane and be back there quickly. The frequency of flights have been drastically reduced. It's even hard to imagine what international travel will look like.
On the plus side, it occurs to me that with less planes overhead, I have been enjoying more peace and quiet at home. Just a random silver lining.
I really miss my family.
It was not long after I had written an entry to these files. It wasn't COVID-19 related, and it wasn't in Australia. He was back in my country of origin, far away from Australian shores.
As he took his last breaths, we had a video-call on Whatsapp to say our goodbyes. There were lockdown restrictions in force, so not many could be physically by his side. However, technology allowed us to have a last moment with him.
It was surreal. The family is in mourning, but the distance does buffer me from the immediacy of the occasion. There is an added dimension of dislocation to the grief, not being able to be back there with the extended family.
It also heightens my worry for my mum, who is elderly and has a litany of health issues. If anything happens to her, it might not be easy for me to jump on a plane and be back there quickly. The frequency of flights have been drastically reduced. It's even hard to imagine what international travel will look like.
On the plus side, it occurs to me that with less planes overhead, I have been enjoying more peace and quiet at home. Just a random silver lining.
I really miss my family.