Losing a family member is never easy; in fact, it can be one of the most difficult times in your life. If your parent has lost their spouse, they will need you to be there for them throughout the funeral planning process and beyond. You may be grieving as well, so sticking together and supporting each other will help everyone get through this challenging time together.

3 Ways to Help a Grieving Parent   

1. Focus on Physical Health

Grief makes sticking with your normal routine a difficult task. It’s easy for someone overwhelmed with loss to forget to tend to their needs. You can help them—and yourself—by focusing on physical health. Cook nutritious meals and sit down together to eat them. Encourage them to exercise by inviting them to go on walks with you or participate in another physical activity that you both enjoy.

2. Help With Funeral Planning

Other loved ones may show support by sending their sympathies and providing home-cooked meals, but it’s up to your family to get the funeral planning done. Take an active role in the planning, taking as much as possible off their plate, so they’ll never feel alone in the process. Go with them to the funeral home, help notify loved ones, and work out the arrangements with the funeral director.

3. Be Patient

Your parent’s grief will continue long after friends and other family members have stopped sending cards or calling to show support. It will get easier for them over time, but sometimes grief can be delayed until after the flurry of activity that comes with planning a funeral. It will also tend to get more difficult for them on important dates such as holidays, birthdays, or their anniversary. Be there for them, and share feelings that resurface months down the road.

The team at Morris Funeral Home is dedicated to making the funeral planning process as easy for you as possible. They have been serving the families of Wayne County, WV, since 1932. Their expansive funeral home has space for any type of service you choose to help you say goodbye and honor your loved one. Contact them online or call (304) 272-5171 to discuss funeral arrangements.