Ideas for Supporting a Grieving Family...
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Heartache.
Helplessness.
Heaviness.
A tragic loss of a teenage, 8th grade boy to suicide this week has stunned myself and our community with a suffocating sadness.
Heartache for his suffering and loss.
Heartache for his parents and sister and all those close to him.
Helplessness for the paralyzing feeling of not being able to find words to express how much you want to help them and ease their agony.
I am not a doctor.
I am just a…
mom
former teacher
fellow parent
neighbor…
…who has thought “How can I support this family in their tremendous suffering?”
Below are examples and ideas I am sharing in an effort to help our community and others find ways to support families who are grieving.
Ways I have seen others offer support this week…
Social media support for this family has covered everything from kind loving words, to offers of support and meals.
I really admired the people who commented about the memories of their son, or commented on his great qualities.
Send cards. Say as much or as little as you feel, but send the card!
A person in their close support circle recommended gift cards for food for them to use later.
Making plans to attend the services.
Support the family through a donation. (See Below)
How to help after the services…
I always think …what about after the services? When family leaves to go home, and friends go back to their jobs and lives?
I would imagine it’s hard watching the rest of the world go back to “normal” while you are still grieving.
We should continue to support them throughout the year. Maybe even beyond?
Having support as the weeks go on is a reminder that others are still caring and wanting to comfort you. It may help them feel like they can reach out if they need support. Maybe it just gives them the strength to get through that day, week or month.
Here are some ideas…
Send “Thought about you today” cards on occasion over the upcoming year or years.
Remember them as holidays, birthdays or anniversaries approach.
Consider making a monthly donation to their charity as a reminder each month that they are in your thoughts.
Send gift cards for a favorite restaurant or coffee house over the course of the year.
Offer to meet for…
coffee, lunch, dinner?
a hike or walk?
a movie?
Bring dinner or groceries to them.
Have an unexpected gift delivered…
A book?
Flowers?
Cookies?
Fruit?
Pitch in for a housecleaning or yard service if needed.
Text them or email once in a while to check in.
The key is to find what works for you…
Take a minute…
Add reminders to your phone…
And well…just do it!
Selfishly, it may help you ease those heart-achy, helpless and heavy feelings that paralyze us when such a tragic event happens.
If you would like to make a donation…Here is the link if you would to donate to the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, in loving memory of Logan.
Thank you!
Need more support?
How Can I Help…When a Child Dies? - The Compassionate Friends Website