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Get
in touch.
Be available.
Keep in touch. |
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Your
presence is important not only at the time of
the funeral but in the weeks & months that
follow. |
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Offer
practical help to the family. |
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Prepare
a meal, run errands, offer to look after children,
or answer the phone. |
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Avoid
false comfort of clichés. |
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A
simple "I'm sorry", a squeeze of the
hand or a hug is more appropriate than at least
it's over, it's God's will, you're still young.
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Write
a note or a letter.
Include a memory or an amusing anecdote.
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Offer
extra support for anniversaries, birthdays and
other special days.
These will be difficult times especially
during the first year. |
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Be
a good listener.
Give them permission to grieve.
Let them tell their story again and again. |
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If
your friend seems unable to work through his/her
grief, encourage them to seek professional help.
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Comfort
the children.
Let them know they can share their feelings.
Reassure them with a hug. |
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