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The loss of a spouse is stressful and heartbreaking. Comforting those in mourning can be the best way to show you care. If you know someone who is making funeral arrangements for their spouse, below are several ways you can offer comfort and support during a difficult time.

3 Tips for Helping a Grieving Spouse

1. Accept Silence

An emotional retreat is a part of the first stages of grief. If your friend or loved one isn’t comfortable talking about their spouse or reflecting on their cherished moments, be OK with sitting in silence. Sometimes, the best comfort you can offer is being present. Try a reassuring hug, holding their hand, or being near for when they want to start talking.

2. Offer Practical Help

funeral arrangementsOften, you may feel at a loss for words. If you’re running into this, offer practical help instead of physical or verbal comfort. Run errands for the bereaved such as getting groceries, doing laundry, or mowing the lawn. If their spouse did a particular chore, offer to assist them with it every month until they can heal or perform the task on their own. If the death was sudden, provide support by volunteering to go with them to make funeral arrangements.

3. Respect the Process

Grief isn’t the same for everyone, and if you want to help a mourning spouse, understand the process and that their pain may look different from others. As they adjust, avoid rushing them into letting go of clothing, personal items, or anything else that reminds them of their spouse. Instead, support and check in on them periodically following the funeral arrangements.

 

The directors at Stine-Kilburn Funeral Home of Lebanon understand that making funeral arrangements for your spouse or a loved one is challenging. Based in Warren County, OH, this compassionate team believes that your loved one deserves the best celebration of life service and will help you plan a beautiful and respectful ceremony. Available 24 hours a day, these directors go above and beyond to offer support for the bereaved. To talk to someone, call (513) 932-1239. You can also find more resources on their website.

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