Tips for Expressing Sympathy

If someone you know and love recently lost someone, you probably want to help them however you can. After all, losing a loved one and going through their memorial after a cremation service in Amboy, IL is never easy.  

How do you show support and sympathy for someone who recently went through a loss? Use these simple ways to express sympathy to inspire your actions.  

To begin, go to the service. Attending the funeral or memorial service will show the bereaved that you care enough to take time of out of your busy schedule to show up for them. If you can’t make it, be sure to send a card, note, or at least make a phone call to express your sadness at missing the event. Also, give condolences. Even saying something as simple as, “My condolences” or “I’m sorry for your loss” can go a long way towards helping someone feel supported and not as alone in their grief. You can also bring flowers. While sending flowers after a funeral or memorial might feel stereotypical, its tradition for a reason. Flowers are a lovely, simple way to show the bereaved you care and are thinking of them in their time of loss. If you can’t be there in person to support the bereaved, try sending gifts like practical items or memorial keepsakes. 

Oftentimes, the best thing you can do for a grieving person is just be with them. Sit with them at home, bring by coffee or baked goods, call, text, or simply listen to them talk. Don’t try to fix the grief or offer advice. Instead, listen, acknowledge, and be there for them however they need. Grief can feel impossible, leading some people to seek company, others to find alone time, and yet others to lash out. Be patient and understanding with the bereaved and don’t be offended. Your presence alone can be a genuine comfort during this difficult time. What about cooking a meal? Simple, easy, and straightforward, bringing a meal helps meet the bereaved’s physical and emotional needs. Cook something comforting like soup, casserole, or pasta, or try something the deceased loved.  

You can also offer help. When offering assistance, be specific. The bereaved won’t take you up on a general “let me know how I can help.” But they will most likely accept specific help. For example, offer to watch the kids, mow the lawn, or bring by groceries.  

Finally, you can acknowledge the loss and offer prayers. You might go back to life as usual after the funeral, but the bereaved won’t. Remember, your friend will still mourn long after the funeral is over. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge the loss and talk about the deceased. Ask how they're doing, share a memory of their loved one with them, let them know you miss him or her, too. This will mean a lot. While not everyone believes in a higher power, knowing that someone cares enough to pray for you always feels good.  

We are here to help if you want more information on grieving or Amboy, IL cremation services. After all, these are just a few of the many ways you can help someone going through a loss.