How to Help

I remember running into a couple who had recently lost a member of their family. I immediately began to panic. I had no idea what to say. I remember making the situation so awkward. Then I started crying... Oh man, I walked off so embarrassed. But the next time I found myself in the same situation and still had no idea what to do or say.

Pat and I have had so many people tell us they feel the same way. Many ask,"Is it better to say something, or to avoid it?"

I see how bad many of you want to help, but just don't know what to do. It's okay. I realize that I wouldn't have known either before experiencing what we have. The biggest thing you can do is just let us know you care.

I'd like to think it's because I'm growing up and learning to forget my selfish ways, that I've became more aware of other peoples trials. There's no doubt I'm going to look at life very differently now, but I'm finding myself in the same situation- not quite sure how to help the people around me.

We all have trials which are rarely the same. Now that I have experienced death, I have a better understanding of what a family might need in the future. But I don't exactly know how to help a family struggling with cancer or financial problems. There are so many things I want to learn, I want to be there for others how you were there for us. So I thought I would pass this information on. If you know someone who is struggling with losing a loved one now or in the future this post might be able to give you a little extra help. :)

My cousin led me to this blog which was written by a mom who also lost her child. She wrote a post called, How to Treat a Friend Who Has Suffered a Loss. For the most part, I agreed with almost everything that was written. Click here to read it.