How to Comfort a Grieving Friend at a Charleston, WV Funeral Home

When you attend a funeral service at a Charleston, WV funeral home, do you know how to comfort the grieving family? It’s one thing if you don’t know the family that well, but it’s another thing if you’re close to one or more of them. If you’ve ever wondered how to handle these sorts of situations, read on for a look at what you can do to comfort a grieving friend.

Condolences

One of the best things you can do is to express condolences to your grieving friend. You can convey that you’re sorry for their loss, share a kind thought about the deceased if you knew them and generally let your friend know that you’re available if they need someone to talk to. Sometimes a simple hug is enough to show that you care  and it can be a great way to bring comfort and to induce stress-relieving tears. It’s also traditional during funeral services to bring a condolence card or a gift such as a bouquet of flowers, a fruit basket or something else. 

Help Out

In the lead up to the funeral service and after the funeral service, your friend and their family might need help for certain stuff. Depending on your availability, you might offer to go to the airport to pick up family members of your friend who might be traveling to attend the funeral. Otherwise, you can offer to do groceries so that the grieving family has more time to attend to more important matters, offer to drop off and pick up their kids from school, help them to mow their lawn and to weed their garden, and other things. The goal is to assist in any way you can. You can also simply ask your friend if they need anything that you can possibly help with. 

Be There

Some people won’t reach out for help even if they’re hurting greatly. It’s important to know whether your friend is the type who will ask for help or if they won’t. If the person will request assistance as needed, great. You can be there for them and help to the extent that you’re able. If they won’t ask for help even if facing great need, then you need to offer specific help. Maybe you can stop by with some takeout food so that your friend doesn’t have to cook. You could give your friend a call every now and then just to touch base and to let them know you’re there.

After the body disposition service at a Charleston, WV funeral home, you will want to be there for your grieving friend. Grief is a process, and there’s no textbook way to handle it. If you express condolences, assist as you can and stay in touch in a tangible way, you’ll be a true friend. Do you want to plan a funeral or cremation service for a loved one? Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home & Crematorium is the only name you need to know. Give us a call at (304) 342-8135 for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can also stop by our business address at 1118 Virginia St E Charleston, WV 25301 to speak to someone in person.