Supporting Those Who Have Lost A Parent This Holiday Season

Death is a fact of life, but most of us are unprepared for it when it comes calling. This is particularly true when adults lose their parents. While it can be expected that most of us will lose our parents before we die, it can be a heartbreaking event to deal with, even if it was foreseeable because of a long illness. Our parents are there for us through our childhood and into our fledgling adult lives. They offer us advice on our relationships and raising our own children, and we forge new relationships with our parents at each new development stage. When someone loses a parent, the loss of that physical presence in his or her life can be devastating. It can feel like suddenly, the world has no support, guidance, or nurturing.

Understand that it is very difficult to offer comfort during this time, but it is important that you do so. The holidays bring up so many childhood memories, and when it is the first time someone has had to face these months without a parent, that can be hard to deal with. Eventually, these memories will be treasured and happy thoughts of time gone by, but right now, the thought of going through the holidays without a parent is miserable and difficult. While you can’t make it any easier emotionally, you can give your support and love and understanding. That is what is going to make this process easier for your friend or family member.

One way that many people like to offer condolences is through unique sympathy gifts. Cards and flowers are the typical sympathy gift in many circumstances, but you may find yourself searching for something more personal. Consider the beautiful gifts offered through The Comfort Company. These gifts focus on honoring the life of a loved one who has passed while giving the living something to focus on and enjoy for many years to come. That kind of gift is perfect to memorialize a parent.

While it can be easy to fall back on fretting about doing the perfect thing to comfort someone who is bereaved, you must remember that this time is not about you. What is most important is focusing on the mourning family, and giving them what they need. Once you realize that, the pressure of finding the right words or perfect gift will fade, and you can focus on doing what is right for your loved one.

By: Renee Wood, MSW

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Renee Wood founded The Comfort Company in 2000. She is a social worker that has helped families deal with the loss or pending loss of a child, as well as aiding patients in the end-stage of renal failure. The gifts provided by The Comfort Company offer memorial ideas as well as hope for healing hearts.