Family and Friends
When someone offers to help, let them. So many
times, our friends and family offer their help and we turn them
away, afraid to burden them. Even when we want help, it can be
difficult to know what we need when we're feeling overwhelmed.
Asking people for help during this time is a blessing for both of
you, and they will be honored to fulfill whatever duty you give
them - just make sure they are dependable.
Some may have a creative flair and can take on the role of
putting together a beautiful memory board or service program. Some
could be available to run errands. Others could be organizational
geniuses and make sure everyone is doing what they've been assigned
to do.
Some areas where you can count on friends and family are:
Administrative matters
- Have them notify the family attorney, clergy, social and
business associates
- Let them be responsible for handling phone calls and taking
messages
- Keep track of gifts, food offerings, letters of condolence,
flowers, etc so the family can send thank-you
notes
- Have them create a Heart2Soul Community, to make sure everyone
can communicate and stay up to date on arrangement information
Family matters
- Talk to your friends and let them help you with your grief
- Let them organize the meals and make sure there is food on the
table
- Find child care for small children
- Make travel arrangements for out-of-town guests
and arrange to meet them at airports, trains or bus stations
Funeral plans
- Research and locate funeral providers
- Attend meetings regarding funeral plans and take notes
- Help with decisions regarding clothing for burial and deliver to the
funeral provider
- Help plan a reception after the funeral by
offering suggestions on location, or preparing and organizing
food
- Coordinate plans with the cemetery or crematorium
- Create a service program to be handed out at the
ceremony
- Ask them to help with hosting responsibilities
