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5 Ways to Support a Grieving Friend JUNE 10, 2025 / KELLI NAPOTNIK / 
"Tenderly, may time heal your sorrow. Gently, may your friends ease your pain. Softly, may peace replace heartaches. And may warmest memories remain." ~ Unknown
There is never a right time to experience loss. Hardships, trials, and grief do not often present themselves at convenient moments. They can be unexpected, raw, and completely unsettling. This past Memorial Day, we unexpectedly learned of my uncle's passing. Suddenly, the chopping of vegetables to prepare a delicious meal didn't matter. We all stopped what we were doing and huddled around my mother to offer words of encouragement, hugs, and communal tears. While the timing of this news dampened our holiday, I couldn't have been more grateful to have been surrounded by loved ones at that moment.
In the hours and days following a painful loss, there are many ways you can offer support to a grieving friend. The following are a few tangible ways to bless your loved one in their time of need.
During times of grieving, your loved one may not have much of an appetite, and that's okay. Consider taking a small portioned meal, a freezer meal, or even nourishing snacks that can be enjoyed at any moment or saved for later.
Asking what you can do to help may not be helpful during seasons of grief. A mother who has recently lost an infant or a widower who is grieving the absence of his wife may find it difficult to answer that question. When caring for a grieving friend, you want to think of the needs they may have and fulfill them. For example, you could drop breakfast at their front door and let them know it's on their doorstep, or send a heartfelt note with a gift card to their favorite restaurant. Bringing flowers or a small gift can also be a way to brighten your friend's day. Acts of service can be a wonderful way to encourage your loved one and help them feel "seen" and taken care of without needing to ask.
There are times when there do not seem to be words to express the sorrow you feel for your friend as he or she grieves their loss. If you can't physically be with them, praying for your friend or loved one enables you to care for them from a distance. These watercolor prayer cards would be a sweet addition to a card sent in the mail. One idea I love is sending a card at designated times each month. You might find that in doing so, you are able to process your own grief in response to helping your loved one.
Processing grief can naturally occur in the form of sharing memories. Allowing them to say what is on their heart can facilitate closure. Make a point to listen and don't feel pressured to jump in with the right thing to say.
In the days, weeks, months, and years that follow, don't avoid talking about their grief. Acknowledge it and ask them how they are doing. I love this quote from Megan Divine, author of It's Ok That You're Not Ok. She writes, "How we talk about painful events makes all the difference in how we survive them." Be sure to visit her blog, Refuge In Grief, for more resources for grievers and supporters alike.
For more ways to care for someone in the early days of grief, visit Maureen's newsletter here. I'm sharing her sage tea recipe for comfort and healing as well. Enjoy!
 Sage Tea Recipe:
Infuse sage in boiling water. Let steep for 5-15 minutes. Drink 1 cup 2-6 times per day.
Read other recent articles by Kelli Napotnik:
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Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. Our own joys and sorrows have taught us that a well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes to take to friends, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you. Helpful Posts
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