Advice For Friends & Family

Many times we are asked by friends and family members of bereaved parents what they can do to help. How they can be there for their friends or family without being intrusive. Remember that every person is different and grieves differently, but here are some things that we found helpful:
• First and most important…give them support. This means just being there. They may not be able to “talk about it” or tell you what they are feeling. Sometimes all we want to know is that you are there if we do need you.
• Give hugs! If the bereaved parent you know is a physical type person, sometimes hugging is they only type of communication they need.
• Don’t be scared to talk to them. Don’t avoid them. Yes, a bereaved parent will cry, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t want to talk to you. It is natural to cry and it is okay if you cry too. It is important to us that we know that you care about our child too.
• Bring dinners or do chores. Small little things like these are big task for someone who is recently bereaved. They may not be able to show it, but it really means a lot.
• Buying gifts or keepsakes is a great way to show that you care.
• Write a card or poem. If you are not able to talk to our friend or family member a great way to let them know how you are feeling is through a card or poem. You can really tell them how you feel.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To all our friends and family,

Thank you for all you have done and are doing for us! We may not always be able to show it, but we appreciate every hug, every time you speak our child’s name, every card, every gift, everything! We love you all!

Love,
All of the Angel Wing Parents