Losing a loved one is among the most challenging experiences that everyone eventually shares. As time passes, friends and family age and will fade away. However, their memories are always with us. What happens immediately after a family member passes is often a mixture of shock and despair, making someone difficult to reach. As such, it’s not always so easy to understand how to comfort someone who is grieving.
Give Them Time to Speak
Sometimes when a person is grieving, the conversation isn’t two-way. Resist the instinct to insert words into pauses. Understand that bearing witness to someone’s private experiences is an honor and a sign of trust. Don’t spoil it by trying to force a normal conversation. Instead, listen to their words and give them space. Offer quiet signals to encourage them to continue. Avoid interjecting ideas and solutions, as it can seem like you’re trying to simplify their experience.
Offer Your Help
One of the best ways to comfort someone who is grieving is to be practical. It’s difficult to remember anything or keep up with life while experiencing the fugue of grief. Find out what arrangements and activities are on their schedule.
If possible, offer help in planning, calling, and other essential tasks. If you’re unsure what tasks they overlooked during this challenging time, you can speak directly to funeral homes in Warwick, RI. Our homes are staffed with friendly and helpful people, ready to assist in guidance and funeral planning.
It’s also helpful to know what future dates are likely sensitive times. The first year or two of holidays and birthdays are especially difficult after losing a loved one. Be present on those days and offer to lift the burden of activities that usually surround celebrations.
Just Stay Present
Sometimes, someone who’s grieving doesn’t want anything in the literal sense. They may refuse food or help around the house. They may make it clear that they don’t want to talk. But that doesn’t mean they want to be alone either. Simply being available in the house or across the table means more than people realize. Offering a gentle hand squeeze provides security in a time when it might seem like everything is falling apart.
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