Gifts for Grief
Our family lost an amazing man this week. A pillar of strength and the patriarch of our clan, coping with this loss has been incredibly difficult.
The people around us have been so generous in our time of grief, and it made me start thinking about some of the best ways to provide support and solace to people you might know who are going through their own mourning.
In the past, I've struggled with how to help or what to do to make life easier for friends and loved ones who are mourning. It's kind of a scary and sensitive subject, death, but you want to do something that brings a bit of peace in their time of need.
So, I've compiled a list of some of the gifts and gestures our family has appreciated most in these past few days. I hope this gives you some guidance. Feel free to leave any feedback from your own experience below.
1. Food
This might seem like a given. But seriously, I cannot say enough what a weight off your shoulders it is not having to decide what to cook or fix or prepare all day. It's amazing how many times we eat throughout a week, and when you are running on empty, fixing a family meal is the last thing you want to do.
But, you have to eat! And often, there are a lot of you together that need to eat. So having food on hand is certainly appreciated.
Breads, muffins and fresh fruit make for easy breakfasts. Snacks that are easily accessible - like fruit and veggie trays, cookies, crackers, chips, etc. are perfect for grazing throughout the day.
Casseroles, pasta dishes, sandwich trays and other one dish meals are great options for lunch or dinner. If they come in disposable, oven-safe dishes, that's even better!
2. Paper Goods
Again, related to food, but c'mon people - we eat a lot! Especially when we are emotional and distraught. Plus, it's a great distraction. Something that's not great, is spending your evening doing dishes, when all you really want to do is sit with your loved ones or take a hot bath.
Plastic silverware, cups, paper plates, disposable napkins, etc. All of these things make cleanup so easy and straightforward.
Seem boring? Check out this "Gift of DIshes" on Capturing Joy.
3. Movies
What a great way to zone out and veg out if you just need a break. Movies are also a great way to spend time together without having to put much effort into making plans, etc.
Maybe it seems lazy or too simple, but sometimes, when you're in the midst of all the chaos, all you want is an escape. Added bonus, this is a great way to entertain any kids that might be getting cabin fever!
4. A Self-Care Basket
Put together a basket or bag of all kinds of self-care essentials. Some ideas of items to include: Lip Balm, Tissues, Ibuprofen / pain reliever, essential oils like lavender for relaxation, aromatherapy lotion or oils, a box of hot tea and some honey.
These might seem like things that people already have... but sometimes, just having it all in the same place is a time (and energy!) saver.
5. Just Be There
If at all possible, just being there in person is the best gift you can give someone who is grieving. The physical and emotional support of friends and family is truly the boost that gets you through these things.
Sharing memories about our loved ones reminds us that, though they are gone in body they are still surrounding us with their spirit. Having others around to help us stand strong when we are weak makes even the hardest times slightly more bearable.
Losing a loved one is never easy, but kind gestures can help you get through the grief and find the sun again.
