I lost my grandpa the last year during the lockdown and the corona. I could not meet him, I could not be there just to say farewell. That analogy you described might be the best way as to how we bear the loss of our loved ones, the pain is always there, we just get used to it and feel less often.

But grief also teaches us to be kind and look after each other's. It is also helps a lot to connect with your lost one's friends and acquaintances! Our memories are scattered across the ones we know.