Nobody plans for tragedy, but when it happens, we all need the support of the people we love. How can you show support to someone who may have just recently gone through one of the most difficult experiences that anyone can go through? Well, here are a few ways you can be there for a loved one who is going through a challenging time:
Send sympathy baskets
If you’re far from home, how do you show your loved one that you’re there for them despite being miles away? A phone call is one thing you can do, but if you want to take it a step further to help them know that you care about what they’re going through, send something like sympathy baskets or even just a card with words of encouragement.
Offer to help with daily activities
When grieving, it can be a challenge to take care of the normal activities one typically keeps up with. From washing dishes to tending to the lawn, the simple things you do on a daily basis fly out the window as you deal with loss. Offering support to your loved ones dealing with difficult times can look like helping them out with various daily chores.
If you can’t be close during this time, you can also book lawn care services or a housekeeper to clean the house every other day as they process their grief.
Organize a fundraiser
If the loss that your loved one is dealing with is unexpected or the medical costs associated with it are through the roof, it can be helpful to fundraise for your loved one. Whether it’s pooling money together as a family or circle of loved ones or fundraising online and sharing the link all over social media as you explain the situation, helping to minimize financial stress during difficult circumstances can make a huge difference for those going through it.
Be available
Something you can do to ensure your friend or relative gets the support they need during the death of a loved one is to be available for them. Sometimes, it can be hard for people who are grieving to reach out for help, but being with people may be exactly what they’re missing.
Being available to provide support when they need it, whether it’s going for coffee or something as simple as a phone call, can be helpful for your loved one who requires support. Let them know that you are there for them, and make sure they know you mean it with all your heart.
Take them somewhere beautiful
Showing support can be as simple as taking loved ones somewhere beautiful. Getting away from their home or usual surroundings can be very helpful in the healing process. So, whether it’s going on a road trip to a distant national park in Utah or Colorado or walking a beautiful local hike, being somewhere in nature can do a lot for your loved one who is having a hard time.
After all, they say that nature can heal, which may prove true for your loved one.
In Conclusion
Showing support for a loved one can look different for everyone. Some people may need physical touch and in-person contact to help them through their grief, while another loved one may need time alone and distance to process their grief. You know your loved one, so as you think about ways to show support, consider how they handle difficult times and grief, and show up in the way you know will help them the most.
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