'I think people need this': Hours from reopening, N.B. family reflects on loss and lessons learned
The last 499 days have featured upheaval, isolation and for 46 families – the loss of a loved one.
Now, in light of the province moving to the green phase of recovery, some are preparing funerals and memorial services, hoping to heal from their loss with friends and family around them.
"When you're not able to hold someone's hand when they're dying, man, it's a new experience," said Peter Lewis. "It's a really, really sad experience. It really is."
Lewis lost his mother, Joan Davis, to the virus. Almost 80 years old, Davis contracted the virus during an outbreak at her nursing home in Saint John.
Lewis is in favour of the full reopening, especially so the family can gather again with their larger support system.
"I think people need this," he said. "I think we need to reconnect, I think people have to move forward. I mean, this was a tragedy for a lot of families, including ours. But we're going to the green phase tomorrow and I just think it's a real opportunity for everybody."
Lewis says they're planning his mothers' service for September.
Premier Blaine Higgs said Friday it's a reminder of what matters most.
"Family's important. And we could all find the time in our lives when we said, 'Oh yeah, I'll do that next week.' I'm as guilty at that as anyone. But it is important to take that extra few moments," he said.
Lewis encourages people to appreciate the moments they can have with loved ones.
"I would say the biggest reflection is, especially if you've got senior parents: spend time with them. Talk to them. Enjoy their company. Because tragedies like this, can happen."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.