How to Express Your Condolences to Your Grieving Friend

Sending condolences to a friend after you hear of a loss they have suffered is a long standing tradition. While nothing you do or say will take away their pain, expressing an act of sympathy can remind them that they are loved, supported, and not alone in their difficult time. However, even though you have the best of intentions, you may be unsure of what to send. Don’t worry. Directors of funeral homes in Willits, CA. have these helpful ideas. 

Send Sympathy Flowers 

Sympathy flowers are always a touching and sweet token to send. What are sympathy flowers? They are simply an arrangement that is comprised of lowers appropriate for showing love, sympathy, and support. They do this by choosing flowers that have meanings that convey this message. 

If you would like, you could make the arrangement yourself with the help of a local florist or simply purchase a pre-made arrangement either online or locally. 

Create a Care Package 

If you want to take it a step further, rather than sending flowers, you could create and send your friend a care package. This package could contain items they need as well as items that can bring them a little comfort. Some ideas fort things to include are: 

• Food Items – When your friend is grieving, they may not feel like or forget to eat. Adding in things such as granola or protein bars, nuts, dried berries and or fruit, chips, or popcorn can give them and easy snack to munch on. 
  
• Comfort Items – Offer our friend a little comfort buy including things like cozy socks, scented candles, bubble bath, a weighted blanket, stuffed animal, or cozy pajamas. 
  
• Creative Activities – Adding things in like a journal with a nice pen, a set of paints and a canvas, or colors and coloring book can give your friend a creative outlet to help process and express their grief. 

Offer Your Assistance 

Does your friend have a pet they may need help with? Maybe their house needs work completed such as raking the leaves. See what they need and offer your services. You could offer to do things like: 

• Take care of the dog for a few days 
  
• Clean their house 
  
• Run errands such as picking up groceries or dry cleaning 
  
• Perform yard work or household chores 
  
• Cook them dinner 

Make Sure You are There For Them 

Many times what your grieving friend may need more than anything is for someone to talk to. Someone who will be an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on. Someone who will let them rant and rave and vent as much as they need. Let your friend know you care by just making yourself available to them when they need. Let them control the flow of the conversation and follow their lead. 

Final Thoughts 

Showing support and love for your friend in this difficult time will be greatly appreciated. Although it wont take all of their pain away, it will provide them some comfort knowing you are there for them and they have your love. If you need more resources in helping your grieving friend, contact the local funeral homes in Willits, CA. as they can steer you in the right direction.