There are only so many things you can do when you see a friend grieving as a loved one of theirs goes through cremation services in Bellevue, WA. You know there’s really nothing you can say or do to take away their pain. At the same time, you want to help them through this hard time and your support really will mean a lot to them as they try to grasp what the future is going to look like. Here are some ways you can help them as best you can.
Support Them At The Memorial
One of the biggest things you can do, which is also one of the easiest things to do, is simply go to the memorial service. If the service is open to the public or your friend has specifically invited you, showing up can say a lot. You are there for them, whether you knew their loved one or not, and you are someone they can count on to be there for them even on the hardest days. You don’t have to bring anything special or say anything special. Your presence will say it all.
Help Around Those Services
There may be things that fall through the cracks around the services and if there’s anything you can do to help your friend, you should try to pick up the slack. That might mean at the reception, clearing some tables and cleaning up. You could package up leftovers in meal sizes and deliver it to their house. Or, you can do things that don’t relate as much to their services, like clean their home and get guest rooms ready for family that is coming into town. Your friend might not ask for help, but they likely need it and if you can pitch in, it’ll say a lot.
Don’t Avoid Them During Or After
You aren’t going to want to monopolize your friend at the memorial service, but don’t avoid them, either. Make sure you convey your condolences and if you see a time where it looks like they need a hug, be there to give it to them. Some people find that they get a lot of support around the services, but after that, everyone disappears and goes back to their life. Don’t be someone who disappears and, instead, be there for your friend and continue to support them. Check up on them and let them tell you stories and talk to you about their feelings.
Note Big Dates
You know your friend is going to remember the day their loved one died, the day of the memorial, and other special days, like their loved one’s birthday. Note those days on your own calendar and be there for your friend when those days come around. They will greatly appreciate the support and be touched that you took the time to remember such days yourself. You can get other ideas on how to help around cremation services in Bellevue, WA from the experts at Columbia Funeral Home & Crematory.