Looking for support
Showing up is enough.
When someone we love is grieving, we often freeze — afraid we’ll say the wrong thing. The truth is gentler than that: presence matters far more than perfect words.
What helps
- Say their name. Mentioning the person who died is a gift; it tells the grieving they are not forgotten.
- Offer something specific. “I’m bringing dinner Tuesday” is easier to accept than “let me know if you need anything.”
- Just sit with them. You do not need to fix anything. Quiet company is a profound comfort.
- Keep showing up. Grief outlasts the casseroles. A text in month three means the world.
What to be gentle about
- Avoid “at least…” — it tends to minimize a loss that cannot be minimized.
- There is no timeline, and no “moving on.” Let them grieve in their own way and time.
- Don’t wait for the perfect words. A simple “I’m so sorry, I’m here” is more than enough.
If they — or you — are struggling
These resources are offered freely as part of our care for the families we serve. We are not a substitute for professional mental-health care. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 at any time.