For those that know people that lost someone, one thing you can do right now is set a calendar reminder for some point in the future to check in on them and tell them you love them. Maybe in August give them a call or text. In September, write them a quick note. In July next year as we approach the 1y mark, write them a letter or give them a call.
Right now, they are likely extremely overwhelmed with everything. But the people around them and checking in on them will dissipate as time goes on. That's when it is time to check in again, because there can be such a big crash as the rest of the world starts to go on with their lives, and they still feel the emptiness of loss.
We are coming up on 5 years since my father died, and it was my Aggie family that stepped up (especially Trouble) more than even my own family or my church. The support I received from other Ags really affected me in ways I still can't adequately express my gratitude for.
Somewhere along the way a few months after my dad died, someone shared this with me and it really did help me understand my own grief.
And remember that every year when the rest of the country is celebrating the 4th with cookouts and fireworks, their grief will be raw all over. Try to think of a way to support them. Now's a good time to set a reminder, because they will need that call or text or letter really bad in a few weeks or months and every 4th of July.
Right now, they are likely extremely overwhelmed with everything. But the people around them and checking in on them will dissipate as time goes on. That's when it is time to check in again, because there can be such a big crash as the rest of the world starts to go on with their lives, and they still feel the emptiness of loss.
We are coming up on 5 years since my father died, and it was my Aggie family that stepped up (especially Trouble) more than even my own family or my church. The support I received from other Ags really affected me in ways I still can't adequately express my gratitude for.
Somewhere along the way a few months after my dad died, someone shared this with me and it really did help me understand my own grief.
And remember that every year when the rest of the country is celebrating the 4th with cookouts and fireworks, their grief will be raw all over. Try to think of a way to support them. Now's a good time to set a reminder, because they will need that call or text or letter really bad in a few weeks or months and every 4th of July.
