Remember, it is important to take care of yourself, especially in this time of grief and exhaustion. Some suggestions:



• Massage
• Facial/manicure/pedicure
• Eating healthy
• Go work out/take up a sport
• Go for a walk
• Sit outside, get some sun, be with nature
• Reiki
• Meditation/yoga
• Have dinner with friend/loved one
• Seek counseling

Some other very helpful suggestions would be to make a list of your loved one’s favorite foods, sports, colors, etc. Also, be sure to record their voice message before closing out the account.

Another fun suggestion is to hold an event in an activity your loved one enjoyed. We host a golf tournament each year since Jeff loved the sport. Family and friends gather for a fun day of golf, followed by a lunch and raffle/ auction. If you decide to have a special event, charge a fee for it and wish to donate the proceeds from it, please keep our foundation in mind!

Remember, it’s completely ok to honor loved ones on special days (i.e.- birthdays). I encourage you to celebrate them! Go to their favorite restaurants, make their favorite meal and invite a few of their close friends. Write your loved-one a note/card. Partake in a favorite activity of theirs…. golf, bowling, fishing, etc. Honor your loved one on their heaven date, as well… gather with family and friends to have a favorite meal, enjoy a favorite dessert, write a personal message on a balloon and release it. Just because a loved one isn’t here, doesn’t mean we can’t honor, love, and remember them!

Family and friends - please reach out to offer your help. Some suggestions:

• Grocery shopping
• Light house cleaning
• Providing meals (i.e.- set up food train)
• Prior to funeral, offer to take the bereaved shopping for outfit, shoes, etc.
• Writing thank you notes
• Closing out bank accounts
• Assist with other business/personal related items
• Offering to help pack loved one’s belongings- this may be a sensitive/delicate area that needs to be attended to, but only when the bereaved is ready for this to happen.

We can embrace and listen when a parent talks about their child who is no longer here with us. Listen and offer a gentle phrase, such as…. “How old would ________ be now?” Remember, a bereaved parent does not want their child to be forgotten, just as you would not want your living child forgotten. As a culture, I believe we avoid any discussion about the deceased child because it tends to be uncomfortable for most people. However, as the bereaved parent, the dialogue is greatly appreciated in preserving their memory.

Finding a therapist or counselor can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially when you are overwhelmed and in the raw stages of grief. We have compiled a list that may save you some time: