How To Start Coping With The Death Of A Loved One

Even in the immediate aftermath of a great loss, we must embrace life through some basic survival techniques.

Step 1: Accept the inevitable
Accept that death is inevitable. Allow yourself to feel the pain knowing that the departed would not want you to suffer long.

Step 2: Avoid big decisions
Avoid making big decisions, except for those concerning arrangements for the person who has passed.

Step 3: Lean on others
Lean on others to provide what you cannot.

Step 4: Read about grief
Read about the stages of grief to alleviate fears that what you are feeling is unnatural. Don’t take misplaced anxiety or anger out on others.

Step 5: Plan gatherings
Plan for anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays, allowing family members to celebrate a life, using music, stories, or family traditions to provide comfort.

Step 6: Care for yourself
Care for yourself by maintaining a balanced diet and regular sleep. You may have lost energy and may have trouble concentrating.

Tip
Take advantage of counseling resources available locally or go online to find out more.

Step 7: Rejoin humanity
Rejoin humanity in the weeks and months afterward. Give yourself enough time to get up and running again.

Did You Know?
Did you know? The Victorians allowed two to four years to grieve after a death.

Butterflies for Mom

"Hundreds of stars in the pretty sky,

Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,

Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,

But only one mother the wide world over."

- George Cooper

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I'll Remember You

This beautiful video is intended to be a gift to families who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. We know that death is difficult, stressful and confusing. We believe, however, that remembrance is good. And this touching video is a reminder of all the ways we can remember and cherish family members forever. The video is a poem and a song on film, that we hope you can watch many times—helping you begin the process of moving from grieving to remembrance.

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