Have any of your friends ever lost a loved one? Were you able to comfort them in their time of need? Reaching out to a grieving friend or acquaintance can be intimidating.

Sometimes when we don’t know what to say to a grieving friend, we say the wrong thing or worse--nothing at all. Wouldn’t you like to know how to offer comfort during this stressful time?

If you want to know more about comforting a grieving friend, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services who offers advice for this situation.

Even if you know what to say at the funeral, grief has no expiration date. This interview is an opportunity to learn how to comfort those around you who are grieving.

A General Timeline for Offering Comfort

Valerie begins the episode by discussing how long you should wait after the funeral before reaching out to a grieving friend or acquaintance.

Next Valerie reveals the time that is often the most lonely for someone who is grieving, which is when they will need your help the most.

If you have a friend who is suffering through the various stages of grief, then you have a chance to offer real comfort during what might be a long, lonely time period.

What to Do for a Grieving Friend

Then Valerie shares other things you can do when comforting a grieving friend. She also answers these questions during the podcast:

- What can I give a grieving friend beyond flowers?
- Is it okay to invite a grieving friend to meet for coffee?
- Will things ever get back to normal for my friend?

Now ask yourself these two questions: Have I ever felt lost when trying to comfort a grieving friend? Do I want to know more about how to help in future situations? If you answered yes to either or both questions, then you may benefit from the advice shared in this episode.

Knowing When a Friend Needs Further Help

Next Valerie segues into a short discussion about how long we can expect grief to last after losing a friend or family member to death.

Valerie goes on to share what signs to look for if your friend needs further help when it comes to moving forward through the different stages of grief.

Sometimes all a grieving person needs is for one person to show that they care. If opportunity knocks, then will you be the one to help with comforting a grieving friend?

The episode wraps up with Valerie sharing her final thoughts about comforting someone who is grieving.

Do You Want More Advice on How to Help?

Are you curious about what you can do to help a grieving friend? Do you have questions for Martin Brothers in Vancouver regarding this topic? After you listen to the podcast, please share your thoughts and questions below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1