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help here on how to cope with bereavement Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a 1,000 winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sun on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled light
I am the soft star that shines at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there; I did not die.
Anonymous. Helping the Bereaved What should one do when meeting a person who has been recently bereaved? Well it is not an easy task. It is very difficult to find the right things to say. Do we talk about the deceased or do we avoid evoking memories of them? How to offer consolation for one of the deepest sorrows in life- losing someone you love? Make Contact Contact the bereaved person as soon as you hear the sad news. Send a card, flowers or better meet them in person. Maintain Contact Keep the contact going for a longer period of time. Make visits, phone calls and send letters. People take as much as six months to one year to come to terms with reality and to grip with life after losing a loved one. Your support may be very valuable. Try to include the bereaved in as many group events and
get-together's as possible. Do not assume they may not be interested in attending a function or participating in some group activity. Listen well Talking about the deceased person can prove cathartic. Let the bereaved talk and in the process feel healed. Do not be embarrassed or uncomfortable if some tears happen to be spilled. Give a hug or hold their hands if need be. Be responsive to the situation. You talk about the deceased Many people don’t talk about the person who has died, worrying that it may bring on another wave of grief. Speak well of them. Remember and share your happy moments with them with their spouse. Talk honestly. If you will miss him/her, say it. Offer Practical Help Ask them if you can arrange for food, or extra servants to tide over the phase or if finance is adequate. Take care of their children or the elderly while the immediate family of the dead person adjust to their new way of life. Helping Children Do not avoid telling children about death. If you are close to the family, offer to explain to the children, the unhappy news. Help them adjust to living without their parent or sibling. Offer help sincerely, with earnestness and its resonance shall be felt by the family. | 
