Being able to talk to your loved one and say goodbye before their death can help ease feelings such as guilt, regret, and sadness during the grieving process. Unfortunately, people can die unexpectedly. Situations can arise that don’t allow us to be with someone when they die, or even have the chance to say goodbye. This is especially true during the unprecedented restrictions we are facing while dealing with COVID-19.

It is not unnatural to feel robbed of one last chance to say "I love you" and "goodbye." After the loss of a loved one, perhaps you feel like there are some things that you wish you’d had a chance to say. Because you were unable to be with your loved one or communicate your thoughts, you may feel like things have been left incomplete or unfinished, and this can complicate your grief. If you were estranged from the person who died, you may have regrets, anger or sadness on top of the feelings of grief and loss. Not being able to say goodbye, or knowing that your loved one died alone, can leave you feeling like you are unable to move forward because of all that was never worked out, and all that was left unsaid.

In grief recovery, we suggest writing a letter to channel your feelings and to share the thoughts you wish you could have communicated in person. Suggestions of topics for your letter can include: “What would you have liked to say to your loved one if you could have one last conversation with them?” “What did you learn most from your loved one?” “What was your favorite memory with your loved one?” “What will you miss most about your loved one now that they have passed?”

A beautiful poem, “I Know Your Heart Is Broken” by Anne Peterson

These Memories a poem by Anne Peterson

https://www.opentohope.com/what-to-do-when-someone-dies-and-there-was-no-time-for-goodbyes1/

https://thewell.northwell.edu/well-informed/death-during-coronavirus