3 Simple Ways to Comfort Those Grieving from Afar

In today’s world, we have many friends and family spread across the nation, with limited opportunity to see them. This can be an especially difficult predicament if you aren’t able to be close to your loved ones during a loss.  Here are a few steps you can take, to make sure you’re available to them, without having to fly across the country, if you’re resources do not permit the travel.

Often forgotten in the digital age, a thoughtful note may be the best way to reach out to let someone know you’re thinking about them during their difficult time. Flowers will be a kind gesture, but a handwritten note attached will likely go above and beyond their expectations. Especially since “Snail Mail,” as it is deemed these days, can seem so rare, it’ll show them that you really took the time to put the extra effort in.

A second, more obvious tool to show someone you care, is making a phone call. This is worth mentioning, no matter how obvious, because we’re becoming more and more stuck in the digital age of believing a text-based conversation will do. No, that may not suffice in this circumstance. Taking the extra time out of your day to call, allowing for a longer conversation without distractions, can really help the other person feel comforted. And when you already are so far apart, a phone conversation can always be a pleasant opportunity to catch up.

Finally, consider creating a care package! Flowers will be a nice treat, but will likely be drowned out amongst the many other flowers received during a funeral. Filling a package with sweets and treats, a book or maybe even photographs will really bring a smile to someone’s face. While you cannot send chocolates (they’ll melt) or ice cream (definitely will melt) in the mail, gift cards for the sweet treats are always an excellent replacement and a definite necessity in the comfort foods department. This is really good opportunity to be supportive and show someone how much you care, even if you are not able to be physically present for them.

When you’re at a loss for what to do in the situation, hopefully, these little reminders may lead to the best help you can provide.