Supporting the grieving

Grief after losing a loved one is a complicated process people need to move through. I considerate it an honor to make the funeral experience meaningful and memorable for families. Whether the deceased was a loved one, friend or associate, knowing what to say and do helps the family.

Simple and sincere expressions mean the most. Sickness and death come at all ages. While it’s more common and expected for an older person to pass away, it’s still difficult for children or the spouse to process. Saying things like, “Your mother lived a beautiful life,” is helpful. Sharing a joyful memory of that person and how their life impacted others is also comforting.

When a child dies, the experience is more intense. No one expects their child to pass away before them. The parents and family may still be in shock at the funeral. Feelings of overwhelming sadness, anger and disbelief are commonplace. Expressing sympathy such as, “I’m deeply sorry,” or “I’m thinking and praying for you and your family,” are compassionate. The goal is for them to know that through your presence and going forward you are there for them. It’s best to stay away from seemingly sympathetic comments that actually minimize the loss, like, “It’s for the best; he was suffering so much.”

Our support does not end when the funeral is over. I work with families to find a bereavement group, either through their church or grief organizations like Cornerstone of Hope. On our site, we offer a host of resources to help people along their journey. And as a complimentary service, I offer a year of Daily Grief Support they can sign up for online. They will receive a support message every day.

Orlando-Donsante-Previte Funeral Home is located at 29550 Euclid Avenue in Wickliffe. Visit OrlandoDonsanteFH.com for more information or call 440-943-2466.