When someone you know experiences a loss, you want to offer support. You may feel unsure how best to reach out to the person or what words are most helpful. Do you give them a card? Send flowers to their Hamilton, NJ, funeral home? Or write a note?
Many feel that there isn’t anything anyone could say or do in these situations, but nothing could be further from the truth. Saying something kind goes a long way at these times, as does a thoughtful gesture of support.
What you say is often less important than how you say it. When offering condolences, the important thing is to let the person know that you understand that they are going through a difficult time and empathize.
Here are some messages you might want to consider passing across:
“I am sorry for your loss.”
“I’m so sorry you have to go through this.”
“I am here if you need anything.”
“I know words aren’t enough, but I wanted you to know that I care.”
“Can I do anything for you?”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Your condolences don’t have to be a long speech. You don’t always have to go into how much the person meant to you. Just let the bereaved know you care about them and want them to be okay.
If the person is close to you, offering more personal comfort may be a good idea. For example: “Your father was always so kind,” “Your aunt always had such great advice when we talked on the phone,” or “Your mom was always up for a good time, and we will miss her laughter around here.”
You can also ensure that they know of any services offered in their community. For example, if there is going to be a memorial service for the deceased, let them know about it so they can attend if they would like. If there is going to be a donation fund set up in their loved one’s name, let them know about it so they can donate if they want.
If you can offer a hug to someone who has lost someone close to them, it may be just what they need. A hug can help a person feel supported and loved at a time when they might feel the most lonely.
This is especially important for children who have lost someone close to them. You don’t want them to be afraid of showing their emotions. Hugs from friends and family can help reassure them that it’s okay to feel sad about the loss. That they are loved and supported during this time and that crying is okay.
Many people don’t realize how much they mean to the people around them until they are gone. So many stories get told after a person passes away about how kind or funny or helpful they were. But often, those stories go unheard while the person is still alive.
It is especially important for children who are close to the person who passed away to hear these things. You want them to know how much they meant to the deceased and how the person will be missed.
You can also encourage others to express their gratitude for the love and kindness that this person shared with them.
Alongside making final arrangements, our funeral home in Hamilton, NJ, offers insight on supporting grieving loved ones. Visit or call us today for immediate assistance.