Helping someone you care about cope with the death of a loved one can be challenging. It’s painful to lose someone, and you want to provide as much support as you can, but what is the best way to go about that when you can’t attend the funeral service? Here are a few ways you can help someone who is grieving.

How to Show Your Support if You Can’t Attend the Funeral

1. Donate in the Person’s Name

Even if you can’t attend the funeral service, you can perform a thoughtful gesture that lets the family know just how much you care. If there was a charity or special cause that meant a lot to the deceased, consider donating in the person’s name. It’s a beautiful way to honor the person’s memory, and it shows that even though you can’t be physically present, your heart is in the right place.

2. Pay a Personal Family Visit

The days following the death of a loved one can be particularly stressful and traumatic. There are funeral arrangements to make, cremation or burial services to plan, and people to contact. These tasks can make it difficult to cope with the enormity of the loss. When the activity slows and “real life” resumes, however, the family might feel alone as they attempt to grapple with their emotions. Consider visiting the family at some point after the funeral service to let them know that you’re available to listen, provide comfort, and share in the memories. Sometimes, the mere presence of another person can be solace enough.

3. Bring Something They Need

It can be difficult to stay on top of daily tasks—such as shopping for groceries and picking up the dry cleaning—in the days and weeks following someone’s passing. People are likely to forget these mundane activities when they have so many pressing matters to consider. This is the right time for you to drop by and bring them what they might need. It’s a thoughtful gesture to bring food for the family or a game for the children to show how much you care.

The compassionate staff at Fossum Funeral Home takes pride in providing families throughout La Crosse and Trempealeau counties, WI, with the care and comfort they need following the loss of a loved one. From assisting with funeral arrangements, cremation, or burial services to offering grief support, these caring professionals are committed to helping you every step of the way. Visit them online or call (608) 783-9777 to learn more about planning a funeral service.