Grief and Coping
It is never easy to cope with the loss of a loved one. We would like to share a few words with you about the grieving process and coping with your loss, that may help you understand it a little better.
There are many stages of grieving such as denial, sadness, anger, depression and loneliness. All of these emotions are natural responses to loss, and you are not abnormal for feeling them. It's important to remember that everyone grieves differently; someone may experience all or few of these stages, and in any order. Everyone grieves and deals with the loss of a loved one in their own way.
We not only care about your needs and concerns for the preparation of the deceased's funeral, but we also care for the well being of the loved ones who are left behind grieving.
We have a number of resources that we can offer to help in the grieving process.
We can also help you understand the behavior and emotions of others who are grieving. We can also help those who find loss particularly difficult, such as children, and have a number of different techniques to benefit anyone that is having an especially difficult time.
Discussing Death with a Child
Q: Should children attend funerals?
A: Yes. Attending the funeral allows the child to be a part of the family at a time when they need love and attention the most. If the child is leery of the funeral, perhaps you can arrange a private moment before or after the service for the child to say goodbye. Or ask your funeral director if their facility has a playroom where that child could stay until the service is complete. The important thing is that the child is with friends and family and not isolated from the situation.
Q: How can I help a grieving child?
A: Here are five simple ways to help a grieving child:
· Be there for the child. Listen when they need to talk, and hug them when they need comfort.
· Share fond memories about the loved one with the child, and encourage them to share their own memories.
· Encourage the child to draw a picture or write a letter to their loved one. These items could be placed in the casket or displayed during the cremation.
· Frame a picture of the loved one for the child or give the child another memento to remember their loved one by. (i.e. coins that were in their pocket, a favorite pin, etc.)
· Involve the child in the funeral. Let them read a poem or letter they have written, sing or play a song during the service, or even just attend the funeral with family and friends.
Q: How can we protect children from the loss?
A: It is impossible to protect children from the pain of losing someone they loved. Trying to hide the death from them will only delay their inevitable realization that the person is no longer a part of the child’s life. It is better to include children in the mourning experience and teach them a healthy way to deal with their feelings.