FRANKLIN, Mass. —

A Massachusetts family hopes the COVID-19 vaccine can save other families from the grief they have been experiencing since early in the pandemic when their beloved father and grandfather died.

“He loved his family, his grandkids,” said Joe Minahan of Franklin, who lost his father, Joseph, to COVID-19 in April.

“Fun-loving guy. He could be stubborn, a stubborn Irishman."

The 88-year-old grandfather of five was in a nursing home. Pandemic restrictions meant the Minahan family had no contact.

“That was probably the toughest part for everybody,” Joe Minahan said. “You couldn't see him -- you know that one last time. Just to say goodbye.”

The number of deaths due to COVID continues to grow each day with thousands of lives lost and families impacted.

“The layers of grief are so many,” said Director of Pastoral Care at Tufts Medical Center Ali Jablonsky. “We're grieving so much in so many different ways and our usual ways to process grief are either different or not available to us. My hope is that anyone and everyone gives themselves some grace, kindness, patience.”

Minahan hopes the vaccine will turn the tide and save other families from their pain.

“Like I said: Everybody has to do their part, let's try to beat this thing,” he said.

FRANKLIN, Ohio — The Division of State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau is asking for the public’s help regarding a fire at a home in Franklin, Ohio that officials say was intentionally set.

Franklin Fire and EMS were called to the vacant single-family home in the 100 block of W. 27th Street on May 23 around 2 a.m. Once on scene, firefighters said the back of the home, which faces the Great Miami River Recreation Trail, was fully engulfed.

A reward of $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the fire.

Anyone with information can call the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 1-800-589-2728.