Get A Handle On Grief

by Margot B.

To comfort a person dealing with grief, don’t worry about the right thing to say—I’m sorry is enough.

Listening is important if the bereaved wishes to talk. Encourage reminiscing.

Don’t assume the deeply bereaved is “over it” in a few weeks or even months. Grief takes a long time. Share your time, companionship or help, if needed.

If there are children involved, the things you can do are endless. Do something with the kids: baby-sit, grocery shop, prepare a meal, clean house; have the grieved person or family over to dinner.

Your concern and presence are most important.

“It has been said, ‘time heals all wounds.’ I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, [protecting its sanity], covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But, it is never gone.”

—Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy