Grief resources are part of the cremation services in Ferndale, WA. After the cremation of someone who has died, we may find it difficult to know how to help the bereaved family in a supportive, comforting, and encouraging way. However, there are many things that we can do to make a positive difference for people who are grieving.
When our friends or loved ones experience death and start down the path of grieving, actions matter more than words. Grief can be a paralyzing experience, especially in the initial stages, and grieving people may neglect basic everyday needs. Our friends and loved ones need our practical, actionable help until they are emotionally and mentally to take care of themselves.
1. Cook them meals
In some parts of the country, it’s not uncommon for friends and neighbors to bring food over immediately after discovering someone has died. This can help provide food for out-of-town family members, but it won’t sustain the family for more than a few days.
A practical way to meet the family’s needs for extended periods is to set up a meal service for a few weeks. Enlist the help of friends, coworkers, and church members to rotate the duties of providing meals for the family. Set up a large cardboard box and a large cooler on the front porch of the family being fed so people can drop off and not disturb the family.
While evening meals are usually prepared, remember to include breakfast and lunch foods like cereal or granola bars, yogurt and vegetable trays, sandwich bread, deli meats, cheeses, peanut butter, jelly, and chips. Be sure to drop off some drinks as well, including ground coffee (include an inexpensive ground coffee filter attachment for Keurig-like coffeemakers), milk, water, and juice,
2. Look Out for their Children
If the grieving parents usually take their children to school, offer to take them and pick them up for a few weeks. If there are young children, take them out to a playground. If there are older children, take them to a movie, arcade, skating rink, or bowling alley. This will give the grieving parents a much-needed break and ease some of the added stress that the children may be experiencing because of the death of a loved one.
3. Cleaning Out Their House
Cleaning the house and mowing the lawn is another practical way to help a grieving family. Many times, during the few days after the death of a loved one, many people will be in and out of the house, and cleaning up after they all leave may seem like an impossible task. Go in and help out. And check back in the first few weeks to see if help is still needed. Neighbors can also divvy up mowing the lawn for a few weeks.
If you live out of town, send the grieving family gift cards that they can use to purchase anything. Dying can be expensive, and the extra financial help lets them know they’re not alone and gives them a practical gift.
A final way to help people is to acknowledge that they’re grieving and that sometimes the grief, even years after the death, will be very strong and that’s okay. You’ll be there for them, no matter what.
For additional information about grief resources and cremation services, our compassionate and experienced team at Moles Farewell Tributes & Crematory – Greenacres Memorial Park is here to help. We also serve the areas of Bellingham, Ferndale and Mount Vernon, WA. You can visit our funeral home at 5700 Northwest Dr., Ferndale, WA 98248, or you can call us today at (360) 384-3401.