At last, I will be able to help bereaved people say a proper farewell at funerals | Sandra Millar

Restrictions on attendance numbers will be lifted this month, but technology has enabled many to watch online

As I stood outside the cemetery chapel, waiting for the bearers to begin the journey inside, I felt more than a little invested. The woman whose funeral I was about to lead was almost the same age as me. I knew, from talking to her family on Zoom in the days beforehand, that her life had touched many people over the years. Friends, neighbours and colleagues should have been gathered there to show respect and support others grieving. Stories and memories should have been told, hugs and handshakes given. Instead, about 25 people gathered inside the church. The March snow showers began to fall outside. This was another funeral in the year of Covid-19.

Related: Limit of 30 mourners at funerals in England to be lifted this month