It’s not easy to find the right words or actions to comfort a friend or loved one who’s suffering a loss. Many difficult feelings, such as despair, rage, guilt, and an overwhelming sense of loss, plague the bereaved. Many individuals are uncomfortable reaching out to others in mourning due to their own discomfort with the intensity of the suffering and the complexity of the emotions involved. You can refer a bereaved family to funeral homes Columbia, MD for funeral arrangements. But we also have some tips that you can do to help the bereaved family.
Giving something
We haven’t always had the best reputation for flowers, and that’s because, it’s hard to know what to do with them after the ceremony, and flowers die and smell horrible. To tell the truth, I often send flowers when I think it is proper to do so. Send flowers if you believe the recipient would enjoy receiving them or if you think you may be the only one to do so.
You may wish to think outside the box if you get the impression that plenty of people will be sending flowers. People have mentioned the following recommendations as very helpful:
- Food prepared at home
- Possessions to save as mementos
- Staples and edibles
- Letters and cards written with thought
- Store credit for everyday needs or self-care activities
Provide helpful assistance
Because their lost loved one was used to taking care of specific tasks and functions, and because it may be difficult to focus on the finer points of daily life while feeling the throes of sorrow, grieving individuals often need practical assistance. To determine how you might best assist a loved one, you must first consider their potential needs and the specific talents you bring to the table. If you can’t cover a loved one’s prospective need yourself, try giving them a gift card they may use to employ someone at their earliest convenience (i.e., a cleaning service or a landscaper).
The physical and/or emotional presence of friends and family members has been cited by many as one of the most meaningful gestures made to them in the aftermath of a death in the family. I want to make it clear that “being there” is more than just saying “let me know if you need anything” if you really want to help. If we’re being honest, this is usually the final thing someone says to a grieving loved one before disappearing forever. It’s not useful in any way.
The following are only a few of the many possible ways to really “be there:”
- In person, at the mourners’ moment of need
- continued to call or text to see how things were going often
- Frequently told “I adore you” or “I’m thinking about you”
- Eaten with the grieving when they could tell
Allow yourself to “go there” with them.
Having loved ones who can be there during tough times without attempting to repair everything or displaying signs of being afraid, uncomfortable, or judgmental is a blessing for which many are grateful.
There is no one definition for what it means to “get there” with a grieving person. Several well-known cases in point include…
- Accept the sobbing, yelling, and outbursts as they happen.
- Remain seated in complete quiet
- Remember the deceased by bringing up their name, stories, and feelings.
- Let the grieving individual weep in peace.
These are just some of the ways that you can do for the grieving family. Reach out to us. For funeral pre-arrangements you can find funeral homes Columbia, MD for assistance.