We all know that losing someone close to us is never easy. When someone you care about suffers with the loss of a loved one, it can leave us feeling helpless at times — wishing there was something more we could do to ease their pain.
Besides sharing your condolences in a card or in person, what can you do to show you care? We’re here to help with 5 ways to comfort someone who is grieving. Remember, the smallest gesture can mean the world to someone who feels alone in their grief.
Cook for Them
Cooking is usually the last thing on someone’s mind when they are dealing with the loss of a loved one. Make something simple for them like a casserole or soup that can be frozen and broken out into a few meals. It’s a useful way to show you care, and they’ll be comforted by your love every time they eat it.
Listen
Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is to open your heart and just lend your ears. Let the person share whatever they feel comfortable sharing and try not to pry too much. If you focus on listening and being there for them, you’ll worry less about not knowing what to say or saying the wrong thing.
Share Your Fondest Memories
Don’t be afraid to reflect on the happy times! Sharing any nice memories you have can help the bereaved focus on celebrating the person’s life rather than the sadness of losing them. Consider writing it in a card so they can revisit those cherished moments whenever they wish.
Treat Them As You Normally Would
A person suffering with loss has had their life flipped upside down, so they will most likely yearn for their standard routine again. Call and text to check in as you normally would. Invite them places. They’ll appreciate the gesture, even if they end up declining the first few times. All they really need is your compassion and patience, and things will fall back into place.
Keep in Contact with Them
Grief comes in waves. The whirlwind of planning a funeral and having friends and family come in from out of town can be stressful, but it also keeps the bereaved busy. Some of the hardest moments when losing someone is when things quiet down in the weeks and months that follow. These are the times when they’ll need you the most.
It can be challenging to comfort someone who is grieving, but there are a lot of ways you can help just by being there for them. Your presence is the greatest gift a loved one could ask for!
Try as you might, it can be hard to be there for someone all of the time, especially if you don’t live in the same place as the person who is grieving. Giving them a keepsake from the heart lets them know you’re with them in spirit even when you’re not there in person. If you know someone who is grieving, consider the heartfelt bereavement gifts and keepsakes available from The Bradford Exchange Online. Here are just a few:
Pictured:
Left: Forever In My Heart Glitter Globe
Center: “Messenger from Heaven” Butterfly Heart Pendant Necklace
Right: “Messenger from Heaven” Cardinal Crystal Heart Pendant Necklace
How do you usually help someone who is grieving? If you have suffered a loss in your life, what were the things that helped and meant the most to you? I’d love to connect with you in the comments. Thanks for reading, and please share this post.
How to Comfort Someone Who is Grieving by Beth Simon
