"Let me know if there is anything I can do." This offer of help is often stated
to those who have had a loss. Funeral directors are frequently asked by extended
family and friends of the grieving, "How can I help?" Because most people are
reluctant and hesitant to ask for help, it is important that supporters reach out
and sieze the initial offer for help. Here are 22 suggestions that funeral
directors can make to guide people in supporting a friend through grief:
1. Get in touch. As soon as you learn about the death, visit, phone or write. Even if some time has passed, it's never to late to express your concern and offer to help.
2. Accept your friend's emotions. If angry, listen. If sad, console.
3. Bring a meal. Do this right after the loss and do it from time to time in the weeks and months following the death.
4. Avoid cliches and easy answers. He had a good life... She's out of pain...
At least you had 25 years together...These may all be true statements but
they are not likely to help. Such sentences tend to minimize the loss.
A better response is a simple "I'm sorry" or "What can I do to help?"
5. Offer to clean house. The bereaved often don't have the energy to do this and a clean home can life the spirits. Bring your own cleaning supplies.
6. Drop off flowers.
7. Bring over some inspirational magazines or tapes of soothing music.
8. Give the gift of your time. Walk and talk together.
9. Hug your friend. An embrace conveys deep affection and support when grief
is hard and heavy.
10. Invite your friend over for dinner or out to a movie, concert or sporting event.
11. If your friend has young children offer to baby-sit for an evening, a day or even a weekend.
12. Offer your skills and expertise with insurance forms, probate or taxes. If you have "handyman" skills, offer those. They can be invaluable.
13. Do everything you can to plant seeds of hope. Let your friend know you believe in him or her and know that, day by day, he or she will get through grief.
14. Remember your friend on special days such as anniversaries, birthdays, and
holidays.
15. Encorage activities you and your friend can do together, such as joining reading or discussion groups or taking a class together.
16. Talk about the deceased and the loss. Your friend wants and needs people who are open to hearing about the feelings of love and loss.
17. Visit regularly with your friend. Not every visit needs to be emotionally charged but just the simple face of your presence will be comforting.
18. Write notes of encouragement. These can be read and reread for cheer and inspiration.
19. Be pratical and specific. Think about your friend's needs. If one offer
if refused, don't be hurt and don't give up. Try again and again.
20. Let the bereaved cry. Remember, tears are healing. Don't be embarrassed or or intimidated if, during conversation, tears flow. It's natural, appropriate and healthy to cry when there has been a loss.
21. Accept silence. Don't force conversation if the bereaved doesn't feel like talking. Always let the grieving person lead emotionally.
22. Exercise patience with your friend. The journey through grief can take as as FOUR or FIVE years.
