5 Things To Do for Someone who is Grieving

The overwhelming, painful and devastating grief one feels over losing a loved one is incalculable. It’s difficult watching someone go through this heartache, and we want nothing more than to lessen the pain somehow.

It’s important to acknowledge that grief extends beyond the funeral. As those who loved the one lost depart, those mourning are suddenly alone. It’s safe to say that the mourning never quite ends.  It can also be daunting to ask your friend how they are doing, because there really aren’t the right words there to adequately describe what they’re experiencing.

So what do you do?

Here are five things you can do for someone who is grieving that shows them that you care.

Food

Food tends to flow following the funeral for days, but try spacing out meals to surprise them in the coming weeks. You have no idea how much of this seemingly small gesture actually means to them as they continue to mourn. Oftentimes, when one is in mourning, they tend to take care of everyone around them yet ignore their own needs. Casserole dishes or soups are quick and easy to store.

Might I make a suggestions? This Crack Chicken and Rice soup might be the perfect recommendation.

Comfort Box

Instead of flowers that your friend or family member is sure to receive, try sending them a comfort box. This box could include some of their favorite things, or you could fill it with comfort items such as tea, fuzzy socks, chocolate, popcorn or a movie. It’s personalized and lets them know you’re thinking of them.

Cards

I read an article recently that shared how one friend sent her friend, who was mourning the loss of a parent, a card each and every month. They were random and sometimes associated with holidays or were just to make them smile or laugh. Buy them all at once, address them and send one out each month.

Remember and Recognize the Anniversary

Put the anniversary of the death on your calendar immediately. Set an alarm for the week before and make it a point to call or text in the days leading up to the actual date. Recognize and acknowledge it. You can also send a little card to let them knowing you’re thinking about them.

Pray

This might be the old standby, but prayer is powerful and will have the biggest effect of all. Keep your friend and all those equally mourning the loss in your prayers, and let them know you’re praying for them.

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Don’t let the fear of their grief stop you from reaching out. Their grief will remain with them forever, but your thoughtfulness will help them with it.