How one Valley family is coping with loss from coronavirus
MAHONING COUNTY, Ohio - Hospitals are doing all they can to be prepared, but for families losing loved ones to coronavirus, it's hard to prepare for a sudden loss.
The Eckert family spoke to 21 News on the grim reality of burying a loved one without being able to say goodbye.
Just a few weeks ago, 61-year-old Mark Eckert got sick and later passed away on Sunday.
Perhaps the most bitter part, his family was unable to say goodbye in person.
Zach Eckert said just a short time ago his dad Mark, a well-known businessman and friend to many started to feel something wasn't right.
"HE HAD TROUBLE WALKING ACROSS THE LIVING ROOM WITHOUT GETTING WINDED," Eckert said. "HE HAD MADE THE STATEMENT TO ME THAT WALKING TEN FEET WAS LIKE WALKING 100 FEET."
Zach encouraged his dad to get tested in Cleveland, and on March 17, he did just that.
By March 24, Mark went into ICU at the Cleveland Clinic.
The family was able to keep communication through video calls, but they weren't permitted to visit because of strict protocols.
Days later, Mark passed away.
Mark had run Eckert Interiors for many years before transitioning to working at The Vindicator.
Grief expert Rachel O'Neill said for those experiencing a sudden loss acknowledging the situation can be difficult.
"OVERALL, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THIS SITUATION IS DIFFERENT AND DIFFICULT AND PAINFUL AND ALLOWING YOURSELF TO FEEL THAT; JUST ALLOWING YOURSELF TO IN SOME WAYS DOUBLE GRIEVE FOR THE LOSS AND FOR THE ABILITY TO GRIEVE is BEING TAKEN AWAY TOO," O'Neill said.
O'Neill believes in honoring your loved one, even if services can not be held at this time.
Mark's son Zach hopes that out of this comes deep and vigilant awareness of this deadly virus.
"I HOPE WE CAN USE THIS AND TURN MY DAD'S DEATH INTO AN AID WHERE WE CAN START LISTENING TO DATA, DOCTORS; STARTING LISTENING TO SCIENCE, AND NOT REALLY DOWNPLAY THIS BUT UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS SERIOUS SERIOUS STUFF."
The family has quarantined themselves right now.
They are going to hold a memorial service to celebrate the life of Mark Eckert later this year that will undoubtedly be attended by hundreds who loved him.
