Tuesday, April 28, 2009

When is the ideal time to visit after a death?

My cousin's, whom I was very close with during childhood, grandmother passed away yesterday. I was also very close to her mother (my aunt) even after her and my uncle divorced. I would really like to visit to express my sympathy, but I don't know when too soon is too soon! Thankfully, I'm not very familiar with how to handle this type of situation. Also, should I just show up, or should I bring a gift (plant, flowers, etc) with me? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

When is the ideal time to visit after a death?
Call this afternoon and perhaps stop by this evening ask her if it's OK if I stop by? Perhaps bring a box cookies or a small plant. I am sure your cousin would love to see you. Visitors at this time let the family know people care. It also helps the person "think" about something else for just a moment. Don't stay a long time 20 minutes is good. The whole situation and arrangements around the death are very tiring for the family. If you can offer any small help feel free to ask if they need help with anything. See if they need any errands run.If they should give you a task please try to do it. A week or so after the burial call again and see if she might be up for a visit.
Reply:It's never too soon or too late to visit but keep in mind, does the person have guests from out of town staying w/them? If so perhaps stop by w/a hug %26amp; an offer to be there if they need anything, but dont stay. Then later when the house guests leave visit again and stay a short while, perhaps bring a covered dish this trip, food from others received earlier will be gone, old, or they are just tired of it, a new dish will be appreciated.


Remember, it's ok to talk about the person that passed on, no matter how long after the death. Sure it might bring some tears, but the survivor will be thrilled that others did not forget the deceased just becaused (s)he died. The survivor longs to hear the deceased persons name spoken out loud by others. I know I do !! This Thursday, March 29th will be the 3rd anniversary of the passing of my son and only child. He was 23. My heartfelt sympathy to you for your loss.
Reply:Visit now and bring food.
Reply:It's not at all too soon. Yes, bring flowers or maybe a covered dish. Okay to just show up, or you could call first.
Reply:It's never too soon, and it's never too late, either. Grief is a very, very long process, they will be in pain and need support long after the funeral and people stop dropping by so frequently. Drop by whenever, but bring some food. It helps to bring something that can be frozen and reheated, as a lot of people will probably bring food, and that way, they can save it for a day when they just really don't want to cook.
Reply:I'm very sorry for your loss.


Phone your cousin today. Tell her that you're very sorry and that you love her and let her know you'd like to come for a visit tomorrow. Bring a prepared meal and a sympathy card.


If she says she isn't up for a visit yet, go anyway but don't stay. Just drop off a sympathy card and a prepared dinner.


Send a sympathy card to your aunt. She'd love a prepared dinner too.


Ask when/where the visitation is taking place. Go to the visitation and the funeral. Ask if there is anything you can do to help.
Reply:it's never to soon to express your sympathy. The day my grandpa passed away my of my friend and family members came over and told me how sorry they were and you don't have to bring a gift just you taking the time out of your day is nice enough.
Reply:Visit tomorrow, but call today, and bring a casserole.


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