THE PRICELESS GIFT
People want to be supportive. When a tragic death occurs, most people will respond. They respond with condolences, with casseroles, with cards to convey a message of care. The unfortunate thing is that those expressions usually occur within the initial grief cycle of those most traumatized by the death.
In the shock if loss people share in the pain. They may not know exactly what to say or how best
to say it, but they are compelled to move into the situation. They try to express, to act, to
support. Sadly, the early expressions of support often vanish after the funeral. The compelling
desire to bring tangible support to grieving people often vanishes quickly … right after the
funeral. And as it disappears, it is the time when the grievers on the inner circle need it most.
The initial days following a death are whirlwinds of emotion, busyness, despair, unwanted but
necessary decisions, and brave faces. Once the funeral is over, reality sets in. The hustle and
bustle is gone but the pain and the unwanted change remains. This is when your support is
needed most. Check in. Cook another casserole. Offer to help with some tasks. Go watch a
movie with a hurting friend. Be there.
We all feel the desire to act when the crisis is new, but don’t forget to stay close when the crisis
is past. One month, one year, even years later, the pain remains and having a friend who still
talks about your absent loved one is a gift. Don’t be afraid to remember lost loved ones. Cherish
memories. They are the treasure that remains after a death. Checking in with grieving friends
isn’t an expensive gift. It’s actually priceless.
Monte Torkelsen – President
Abba’s Child Grief Camps
Change a life today
We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the help of our amazing Abba’s Child community. Thanks to our facilitators, volunteers and our generous donors, we have been able to inspire hope in 667 children since the start. To help us in our mission, consider volunteering or donating below.
