For Immediate Assistance: (815) 626-1131
What To Do For A Grieving Friend
Monday, July 1, 2019
Funeral homes in Sterling, IL are intimidating places, and it’s hard enough to help a grieving friend without the pressure of being in a funeral home. However, it doesn’t have to be so difficult, especially if you keep these 12 tips in mind:
- Don’t Avoid: It may feel easier to avoid a grieving friend, but it’s the worst thing you can do. A hug, kind word, or a supportive presence can go a long way. If you cant think of what to day, a simple “I’m sorry” is all you need.
- Share: It can be helpful to hear similar bereavement stories; so don’t be afraid to share. It makes people feel better to know that others have gotten through the grief.
- Don’t Talk About A Dead Pet: In that vein, do not compare their loss to your loss of a pet. It’s not comparable, and can be very insulting.
- Let Them Cry: Crying is an important part of expressing grief, so never say “don’t cry.” Its ok to just be there when someone is crying, offering a hug or tissues, or even just a calming presence.
- Support Past the Funeral: Grief doesn’t stop after the bereaved leave the funeral home, so your support shouldn’t either. Keep checking in in the following weeks. A phone call or a text of support is great. Don’t be offended if they don’t want to talk, as grief can make concentrating or talking difficult.
- Help With Everyday Tasks: Grief is physically and mentally debilitating, so it can be hard to accomplish seemingly easy tasks like cooking or cleaning. Help out by offering to cross things off the to-do list like grocery shopping, cooking a meal, or mowing the lawn.
- Provide Funeral Help: It can be hard to plan and host a funeral, and help is always welcome. Even a small thing like bringing flowers or offering to go with them to sign the death certificate is meaningful.
- Let Them Bring Up Religion First: Don’t make it about religion until the bereaved do. Everyone has different beliefs, and you don’t want to accidentally offend.
- Laughing is Good: Don’t be afraid of making them laugh. Offer up silly stories of your day, or even happy memories of the deceased.
- Mention the Deceased: Don’t be afraid to talk about the deceased. You might make them cry, but that’s ok! It feels good to know that the deceased isn’t gone from everyone’s thoughts and memories.
- Note Big Dates: Note important dates like birthdays or anniversaries and be sure to reach out around those times for extra support down the line.
- Remind Them Grief Isn’t Short: Be sure to express that you understand the grieving process is lengthy, and that you will be there throughout. Bereaved can feel lonely or even abandoned after leaving the funeral home, so make sure they know you’re still there.
Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, located at 702 1st Ave Sterling, IL 61081, offers expert and compassionate Sterling, IL funeral home services. We are honored to give you any help or advice we can. Please give us a call at (815) 626-1131 today.
Previous Posts
The Role of Music in Creating Memorable Funerals
Since 1975, Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation has been dedicated to offering families compassionate and personalized funeral services. With nearly five decades of experience, we have earned a ...
Choosing Locations for Cremation Memorials
Choosing the right location for a cremation memorial is a deeply personal and meaningful decision. At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we understand how crucial it is to create a space that ...
Benefits of Pre-Planning Funerals Explained
Planning a funeral is never an easy task, especially during an emotionally turbulent time. Preplanning is a thoughtful and practical choice to alleviate stress and ensure that your final wishes or ...
Questions to Ask Providers about Cremation Memorials
When it comes to planning cremation services Amboy, IL, several important questions can help guide your decision-making process. Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation understands the emotional and...
Why Pre-Planning Funeral Services Makes the Perfect Sense
Pre-planning your funeral services with funeral homes Amboy, IL, can be an invaluable gift for your loved ones, offering numerous benefits during a challenging time. At Schilling Funeral Home &...
Why More Families Are Choosing Direct Cremation
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how families handle the final rites of loved ones. At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we have observed a growing preference for direct...
Supporting Families in Need with Funeral Homes
When a family faces the loss of a loved one, the overwhelming grief can be compounded by the logistical challenges of arranging a funeral. In these tender moments, the support provided by professio...
Steps to Planning a Touching Cremation Memorial
Losing a loved one is an undeniably challenging experience. Amidst this emotional turmoil, planning a fitting cremation services Fulton, IL, can provide a sense of closure and serve as a beautiful ...
The Role of Funeral Homes in Grief Support
At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we understand the profound impact of losing a loved one. Grief is complex and deeply personal, and the support provided during this time can be crucial fo...
Planning a Meaningful Cremation Service
Planning meaningful cremation services Amboy, IL, is an essential step in honoring a loved one’s life. At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we believe that every life is unique, and so should...
Comments