The story behind this movement
In memory of all those who have lost their lives to Covid 19
My pledge to you is to help me in celebrating the LIFE of each of our loved-ones by adding their names to this Global list to forever honor their LIFE , their LEGACY and to let the world know,
Yes, ” THEY MATTERED”.
Why the movement ” WorldWeRemember”?
With just over 47 000 Lives lost due to the pandemic in South Africa by the end of February this year an overwhelming feeling of grief, fear and a feeling of emotional loneliness took residence in my heart.
The number of casualties kept on rising despite efforts to keep the effects of the virus at bay and away from loved ones and friends.
My emotions were not prepared to deal with all of this and with experiencing grief at my own doorstep.
On the 1st of March I lost my sister, Marianne Van As. She was only 53 years old. She did not die from Covid, but because of the lockdown regulations, a simple goodbye or farewell or honoring her life was only permitted to 50 people within the Regulations framework. Only close family and a few friends were able to attend a quick sermon and then it was all over…
How is it possible for a family and a few close friends to express grief and sorrow without hugging each other, without giving your shoulder as comfort to someone who is mourning another life lost on earth?
What made things worse for me was that I started experiencing anxiety symptoms which I thought I had to hide at home and at work. Nightmares, cold sweat and cry-outs for answers to God became my three companions at night and during the day fear and anxiousness was a dark cloud I could not seem to escape from, but had to hide in order to function at work.
As a family we grieved this immense loss and I know that life quickly moves back to normal but what shook me to the core of my being was that within two weeks after the funeral, Marianne’s name was never mentioned again by anyone except our family.
“Did she matter”?
Who besides us will remember her?
On the 3rd of July, amid the third wave in South Africa a colleague and a dear friend of mine, Kobus Steenekamp lost his fight against Covid. When news of his passing reached us, the whole South African Agricultural community mourned his death as if we were all part of the Steenekamp family.
I will forever remember his legacy… On some days when my mind wanders, I can’t help but wish for just one more conversation, one more smile, one last hug. The day of his funeral left me saying goodbye through a fence at the cemetery in Heidelberg – separating us from him and his family.
“Did he matter”?
Who besides his family will remember him?
The devastating effects of the third wave hit home end July and we too as a family had to say goodbye to our immediate family members, colleagues, and friends. No hugs, no comfort, no contact.
Numbness was the new normal it seemed.
I never really understood why Sarah McLachlan wrote in “Angel,” about a “glorious sadness that brings me to my knees.” I never really knew what that meant until now and it is this state of being that has compelled me to start this Movement.
I know I am not the only one who was trying to survive by avoiding the grief that has been building up inside of me. I needed to acknowledge my feelings and realized that I had to channel this for the good or it will destroy me.
I had to relinquish my state of “glorious sadness” to the Lord and let Him use this to give purpose to my life. He planted the seed for this platform in my heart and I want to honor Him by doing this.
So, what could I do to let those left behind grieving, also experiencing “glorious sadness”, feeling isolated, overwhelmed with grief and numbness, know that their loved ones “did matter”?
How could I make sure that even if the chains which have bound our loved ones to us on earth is broken, that they still mattered and that they will never be forgotten?
This platform is a dedication to every single life lost to Covid. Generations after we will be able to see and witness that our loved ones “did matter” and that they will never be forgotten.
This global pandemic has impacted all of us: We have lost partners, parents, grandparents, children, friends, and colleagues. The world is experiencing universal grief, but it is within this state of grief and “ glorious sadness” where universal hope for a better tomorrow and eternal gratitude for every breath of air remaining in our lungs lies to be able to make a difference and by honoring the memory of our loved-ones.
My pledge to you is to help celebrate the LIFE of each of our loved ones by adding their names to this Global Covid Remembrance list. To forever honour them, their LEGACY and to let the world know that: yes, “THEY MATTERED”.
My name is Yolandi Furniss
The founder of this movement
My hope is that you will know you are not grieving alone. You will heal, you will find comfort and refuge in His presence and your loved ones will always be remembered.
Generations from now will also Remember
By Name…. by Country…. by Continent.
It is up to us to NEVER forget.
# Jointhemovement: Share your story.
