When Someone is Grieving

**This post is not a plea for further help ~ 
Please understand that we have been very well cared for!
Thank you to each one of you who has carried us in so many ways.  :)

It is, however, meant to be an encouragement to those of you who may have the 
opportunity to walk along side someone who is grieving now or in the future.
It is a great blessing to be able to walk through the valley with another.

**I can only write this post due to having been shown love and care
in the many following practical ways ~ I certainly had no idea how much was involved.
Many of you will already know all these things...but, I didn't!  

In our recent days of intense grieving, we were showered
with much love and practical help.

Cards, flowers, emails and voice messages were kindly sent to us.

Meals were delivered to our door ~ some came frozen and some came fresh.

Loved ones came along to just sit and brain storm and execute the plans being made.

Ironing and dishes and general tidying up were done.

Many helped with the graveside and memorial services
as well as the luncheon that followed.
Little and not so little *unknown* things were done behind the scenes.
It's been overwhelming to be on the receiving end of such loving care.

I cannot begin to tell you what a blessing it all has been.

When people offered to help, they were given something to do.
Sometimes the one grieving doesn't even know what needs doing.
Ask those closest to them how you may help ~ they likely will know.

It can be a difficult thing to know what to say 
or do when someone is grieving.

Especially if you've never gone through a similar type of loss.
Eventually, however, we will all experience grief of one sort or another.

We all grieve differently.  But, I think we are all similar in this one thing ~

 We surely are blessed to be loved through the process.

There are so many ways in which love can be shown. 

A listening ear without saying much ~ just *being there*.

 Encourage the one grieving to share what's on their 
heart or just hug them while they cry.

Helping out in practical ways is another loving thing to do ~ 

provide a meal or something else needed.

Perhaps come along side with helping hands to iron or clean or?
There may be times when the one grieving will want to talk it out.

They will want to remember their precious loved one ~
and they will want you to remember him or her as well.
Some memories will stir up tears and others will generate smiles.

It's all normal.  The various displays of emotion are all part of the process.

We all grieve differently, and that's okay.

It's a good idea to go with their lead in these things.
 Perhaps it will be too much to have memories brought up
at this tender time, or maybe it will be just what is needed.

The LORD will give wisdom to know when to talk and when to keep silent.
Those grieving will not always know what they need or even be able to articulate it.
Each of us, however, benefits from being pointed to Scripture and the Truth.

When you don't know what else to say or do ~ 
Prayer and sharing God's Word is always appropriate.

One fear that may be harboured in the heart of the one who has had to say 
goodbye to a loved one is that they will forget ~ that their loved one will be forgotten.
Help them remember.  When they are ready, share your memories.
In these ways the heart is comforted and the pain lessened.

Seek the LORD for opportunities to be a blessing.
Look for things to do that will ease the burden.
Write notes of encouragement that include Scripture.
And, most importantly ~ Pray!

Pray that the God of all comfort 
would give His peace and His grace and His strength.
Pray that joy would come in the morning.
Pray that they would not forget HIM in the midst of it all.
Pray for them the way you would like to be prayed for.

And, treat them how you would wish to be treated ~
It's a wonderful, beautiful thing.

By God's Grace, we have been cared for amazingly well ~
He has blessed us with such supportive and loving people!!
Thank you, each one of you, from the bottom of our hearts.
May the LORD help us to comfort others as you have comforted us.

With Love,
Camille

**Photos in this post courtesy of my Uncle Gordon ~
Thank you SO much!  XO