A To-Do List

  I was asked the other day if there was a way to write a list of helpful things to do or say for people who have lost a child. I liked that idea so I started contacting people. Here is a list of what we collectively came up with, in no particular order.

  Ask to see pictures of my child.

  Remember that we ARE thinking about our child even if it doesn’t look like it. For example, talking or laughing about something else. It’s always right there below the surface.

  Acknowledge that my child existed. We feel honored that you remember that they lived. If we cry, it’s not because you reminded us. It’s because we’re so grateful that you remembered.

  Be willing to let us talk about our child without changing the subject or reacting with disgust.

  If there are other children, check to be sure that we have appropriate funeral clothes for them.

  If you don’t know, ask “What was your child’s name? Would you tell me about them if you feel up to it?”

  Say, “I cannot possibly understand your grief, because every loss is different, but I am here for you.” and mean it. Be there.

  Understand that my grief is different than anyone else’s.

  Say, “Please tell me about your loss if you are ready to discuss it.”

  Pray for us and let us know you are praying.

  Ask me about my child. Use their name when you ask.

  Let me cry.

  Hug me.

  Call me, text me, message me, and let me know you love me and that you still haven’t forgotten.

  Let me grieve.

  Ask, “What is your prevalent thought today about your dear child?” Use their name when you ask. Pick appropriate times to ask this, not just before an important event etc.

  Let me know I’m not alone.

  Just agree with us that it REALLY SUCKS.

  It’s okay to ask how our child passed, but expect a wild, widely varied set of reactions. Doing this may cause you the urge to hug your children.

  Ask when would be a good time to visit. Give a specific time that would work for you and ask if that day would work for us.

  Please acknowledge their birthday, the anniversary of their death, etc. Things to do include: send a card, send flowers, send a gift, call, text, send a plant, send a token with the child’s birthstone on it.

  The specific day of the week our child died on is a hard day for many, many months. This is also true for the date. For example, if our child died or was diagnosed with a terminal illness on October 26, the 26^th is a trigger for us every month for a very long time.

  Ask if there is anything special that reminds us of our child. For example, dragonflies, flowers, teddy bears, birds, colors, angels, hearts, … If there is, these things could be sent on the anniversary dates as a tangible reminder that our child isn’t forgotten. Write a reminder on your calendar or in your phone of these dates.

  If it was an early loss ask if we named our child and then use it when talking to us about that child.

  Wash our car so we don’t drive in the funeral procession in a dirty car.

  Tell us if you see or hear something that reminds you of our child.

  Do something to honor our child… make a donation, plant a memorial tree, release balloons or paper lanterns, bring flowers or a token to the cemetery and then let us know that you did so.

  Share a personal story about our loved one.

  If it’s feasible and you’re close friends, think about providing a safe place for us to express our anger, wood to chop, old appliance to beat, punching bag to whale on etc.

  If you visit the cemetery let us know.

  Make specific offers to help: “May I do your laundry?” “Can I go to the grocery store for you?” “May I clean house for you?” Sweep, vacuum, mop, scrub toilets, mow the lawn, do yard work, help with chores, care for animals, etc.

 Bring over toiletries, garbage bags, paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates, etc.

  Instead of asking the ever dreaded “How are you doing?” greet them with a formal greeting and say things like “I’m so glad to see you.” or “So good to see you. I’ve been praying for you. or  I’ve been thinking about you.”

  Ask them if you can massage their shoulders, or buy them a massage.

  After several months it may be okay to offer to bring them out to lunch, bring them for a manicure or pedicure, etc. If they don’t accept that moment, let them know your offer is still open anytime. Ask again in a few more months.

  Offer to be a spokesperson for the grieving family. This person can coordinate meals for as long as needed. Check with the grieving family to see if they need anything. Do this for them indefinitely.

  Drop off freezer meals for them. This is especially helpful as the months pass.

  Include the dads in your remembering.

  Offer to create a memorial garden for our child.

  Ask what we most appreciate or what we don’t like. Make it clear that you won’t be offended by their response if they don’t ‘need’ you at that time. They still appreciate the effort.

  Randomly send cards, letters, tokens or flowers for no reason, just to let them know you remember.

  Pray for us.

  Listen to me when I talk about my child. You don’t necessarily need to have something to say, just listen. That’s all I need.

  Call. If we aren’t up to talking or miss the call, leave a message. We are more likely to call back if you leave a message letting us know you care. Sometimes just hearing your voice in the message is all we need to feel better and not so alone.

  Show up at our house to just sit with us. Or clean. Or do with us whatever we may happen to be doing. If it’s an anniversary date it may be best to call ahead.

  Be available.

  Let me scream, cry, yell, rant, rave, swear, second guess all my decisions, and blame myself until I am spent. Then you can gently tell me it isn’t my fault and it never was. Don’t interrupt me to tell me that.

  Include ALL my children in the count when you talk about them.

  Grief is not just an emotional or mental thing. It is very physical. It causes real problems, insomnia, headaches, migraines, neck & shoulder problems, nausea, gut problems, body aches, chest pain, aching arms, and loss of appetite to name a few.

  Throw a life party for our child when it is an appropriate time. Ask when that time might be.