Top 5 Things Everyone Needs When You Lose A Loved One

Top 5 Things Everyone Needs When You Lose A Loved One

Greetings!  Lately I have been observing on my social media that there are a number of people that have no clue what to say or do when someone they know loses a loved one.  Consequently, these people end up saying and/or doing the wrong thing.  So to help out, I created this list of the top 5 things everyone needs when you lose a loved one.  In addition to this list, I included some specific examples (not exhaustive) so that you can help right away and that special person in your life can benefit as a result.

1. To know that others care 
   1. Be there for them
   2. Send something or do something to let them know you are thinking of them
2. Comfort for their pain, hurt, and fears
   1. Share that Christ is their ultimate comforter
   2. Pray with and for them
3. To freely express their pain, hurt, and fears
   1. Be available to listen
   2. Encourage journaling
4. Help building and maintaining a new normal
   1. Encourage and create opportunities for them to meet people with shared interests
   2. Help them with learning and taking on new responsibilities
5. A way to remember, honor, and celebrate the life of their loved one
   1. Encourage them to create something
      1. Design a memory box
      2. Write a poem
   2. Encourage them to do something
      1. On those special dates: light a candle, look at pictures, and/or watch videos
      2. Take flowers to grave-site or plant a garden