12 Ways to Help a Friend Who has Lost a Loved One

Friends may not know what you are going through unless they have been through it before. Families may become overwhelmed and not realize that they are not doing their best to comfort the ones that were close to the loved one that died because they are dealing with their own grief. At the end of all things, we truly grieve alone but if you could help someone who is grieving, wouldn't you want too?

This article came about after reading a brochure on some of the things that people have gone through when a loved one has died. It wasn't until this very moment, that I really began to understand the meaning of grief that is laid on you and others around you. Grief is different for everyone and there are things that you can do to help ease the pain by replacing it with wonderful memories of your loved one. There are also things that you can do if you know someone who has lost a loved one. These are my twelve steps to helping someone.

1. Everyone should know that they have the power to bring a smile back to someone's face. Grieving takes time but it is time that you can use to help them. Grieving is different for everyone and they need to know that you will be there to walk with them no matter what. If you plan to see us smile once again, hold us dear to your hearts.

2. In terms of grieving, it will never really end. I use to believe that time would heal all wounds but when you lose someone, the wounds never really heal and this moment that we have to remember them, will last forever in our hearts. Our pain that we feel, will always be there, we just learn to replace it with good memories but will never forget them. Understand that we are only human and that our grieving will never end but we may not lead a grief stricken life. Time does not heal all wounds, it only helps us to move forward. All we need is for your to understand.