5 Ways to Support a Grieving Friend

Adina Bailey, Take Them A Meal

"Tenderly, may time heal your sorrow. Gently, may your friends ease your pain. Softly, may peace replace heartaches. And may warmest memories remain." ~ Unknown

There is never a right time to experience loss. Hardships, trials, and grief do not often present themselves at convenient moments. They can be unexpected, raw, and completely unsettling. This past Memorial Day, we unexpectedly learned of my uncle's passing. Suddenly, the chopping of vegetables to prepare a delicious meal didn't matter. We all stopped what we were doing and huddled around my mother to offer words of encouragement, hugs, and communal tears. While the timing of this news dampened our holiday, I couldn't have been more grateful to have been surrounded by loved ones at that moment.

In the hours and days following a painful loss, there are many ways you can offer support to a grieving friend. The following are a few tangible ways to bless your loved one in their time of need.

1. Provide Meals That Are Simple and Nourishing

   During times of grieving, your loved one may not have much of an appetite, and that's okay. Consider taking a small portioned meal, a freezer meal, or even nourishing snacks that can be enjoyed at any moment or saved for later.

2. Provide Simple Acts of Service

   Asking what you can do to help may not be helpful during seasons of grief. A mother who has recently lost an infant or a widower who is grieving the absence of his wife may find it difficult to answer that question. When caring for a grieving friend, you want to think of the needs they may have and fulfill them. For example, you could drop breakfast at their front door and let them know it's on their doorstep, or send a heartfelt note with a gift card to their favorite restaurant. Bringing flowers or a small gift can also be a way to brighten your friend's day. Acts of service can be a wonderful way to encourage your loved one and help them feel "seen" and taken care of without needing to ask.

3. Commit to Praying for Them or Send Cards

   There are times when there do not seem to be words to express the sorrow you feel for your friend as he or she grieves their loss. If you can't physically be with them, praying for your friend or loved one enables you to care for them from a distance. These watercolor prayer cards would be a sweet addition to a card sent in the mail. One idea I love is sending a card at designated times each month. You might find that in doing so, you are able to process your own grief in response to helping your loved one.

4. Listen to What They Have To Share

   Processing grief can naturally occur in the form of sharing memories. Allowing them to say what is on their heart can facilitate closure. Make a point to listen and don't feel pressured to jump in with the right thing to say.

5. Follow Up and Ask Them About Their Grief

   In the days, weeks, months, and years that follow, don't avoid talking about their grief. Acknowledge it and ask them how they are doing. I love this quote from Megan Divine, author of It's Ok That You're Not Ok. She writes, "How we talk about painful events makes all the difference in how we survive them." Be sure to visit her blog, Refuge In Grief, for more resources for grievers and supporters alike.

For more ways to care for someone in the early days of grief, visit Maureen's newsletter here. I'm sharing her sage tea recipe for comfort and healing as well. Enjoy!

Sage Tea Recipe:

• 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves or 1 teaspoon dried sage

• 1 cup water

• Honey to sweeten (optional)

• Lemon wedge (optional)

Infuse sage in boiling water. Let steep for 5-15 minutes. Drink 1 cup 2-6 times per day.

In Case You Missed It

1. In just a few steps, you can set up a meal schedule, share it with friends and family, and help lighten someone’s load in the most thoughtful way. Watch this reel to see how simple it is!

2. Looking for a neat way to dress up your potluck treats? See how Nadia wrapped each cookie in a folded napkin for a charming (and mess-free!) presentation.

3. These Pizza Sliders are an easy and kid-friendly meal perfect for a busy school night or a fun meal you can take to someone!

Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!

4. Showing the people you work with daily that you appreciate all their hard work can go a long way! Show how grateful you are by creating a fun treat and attaching this free printable! These tags are perfect for coworkers, clients, employees, or anyone you do business with.

Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the free printable!

5. Pasta is a tried and true meal to take. Here are some classic favorites and all new dishes to try.

Easily Organize Meal Schedules for Friends

Take Them A Meal is an easy (and free!) online tool for coordinating the delivery of meals to loved ones. If a friend is ill, elderly, or welcoming a child, you can rally their community to take them meals. We also offer delicious, fully-prepared meals that can be shipped directly to their door!

Send Love in a Box - Freshly Prepared Meals Shipped Nationwide!

Surprise your loved ones with a delicious, chef-made meal delivered straight to their door. Explore Shipped Meals

Tested Recipes that Transport Well

Our culinary team has tested each of these recipes to make sure we can heartily recommend them. Explore Our Recipes

Gifts & Such

Check out these thoughtful and practical gifts including engraved spoons, meal carriers and more!

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