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24 August 2012

Extending Sympathy: Easy Ways To Show Someone You Care

By Mellissa Rummage


When a friend loses someone dear, it is sometimes difficult to extend comfort. We often are unsure of what to do to show that we care and sympathize. Here are some easy, heartfelt ways you can help a person who has suffered a loss.

There are so many details facing the family of the deceased, planning a funeral and visitations and memorials are exhausting tasks, but there are plenty of ways for friends to help. Offer to make calls to friends and inform them of the death. While your friend probably will need to make some calls personally, there is no reason why he or she needs to be burdened will all of the phone calls. You can arrange flower deliveries throughout the house, prepare coffee or tea for visitors and offer to help after the funeral with tasks such as addressing and stamping thank you cards or going through the deceased belongings.

In addition, consider helping out with day to day chores. Cancel upcoming appointments for your friend or call their child's school and explain upcoming absences. Offer to watch children or care for pets while your friend takes care of details or even during the funeral, if needed. Also consider driving your friend to wherever they need to go. It is hard to drive and concentrate when you are grieving, so that is one burden you might be able to alleviate. Doing chores, such as laundry, watering plants or going to the grocery store or drug store are other ways to help. Preparing lunches or dinners also is helpful, as it is important for those in morning to keep up their strength.

While the above mentioned tasks are helpful, what do you when your friend lives far away? Sending flowers is an excellent way to show someone how much you care and sympathize. Contact a professional florist and you will find a variety of specially designed bouquets and arrangement suitable for the occasion.

If you will be sending something directly to the home, consider option for a basket that contains both flowers and live plants. It is often a comfort to have something in the home that lives on for many weeks or months after the funeral, as it is a constant reminder that someone cares. If you do send flowers, traditional choices such as white roses or lilies often are used in funeral arrangements, but you also can opt to send something personalized such as bouquet featuring the deceased's favorite flower.

To send directly to the funeral home, a more formal arrangement is nice. If you wish to send as a group, consider a pretty wreath or a spray of flowers. These flowers remind the family that they are loved and that the deceased was cherished and will be remembered.

Professional online florists can deliver to just about any location and same day delivery is almost always available so you can rest assured that your flowers will arrive on time and in perfect condition. A professional florist also offers a myriad of unique options, from flower-covered photo frames to baskets that combine a variety of flowers and plants.




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