Opinion

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say at a funeral

Everyone wants to say the right thing to a grief stricken friend at a funeral, but the thing is that not everyone can say something perfect.

I found myself in just such a situation recently when I attened a funeral of a friend’s child.

Let’s face it, emotions are high and saying “I know what you are going through” doesn’t help at all.

The reason is that we don’t know what they’re going through at all unless we’ve had a similar experience.

So how do we as people help one another in this time of need?

Most people feel obligated to say something special to this friend about how sorry they are or try their best to do a good deed in that moment.

Turns out that just being there is the biggest thing you can do.

No words, just a hug and a smile will help.

When our friends know of our presence in their time of need, it speaks beyond anything that we could say or do.

It’s surprising to find out that it’s us who might need the support of the ones dealing with a death.

It’s because we haven’t faced it like they have then and there. Funerals are delicate and emotional and we lose ourselves sometimes.

This isn’t saying that we, as people, should stay strong and silent during a time like this.

We are human and showing expression and concern for another is perfectly all right.

The biggest choice is that we shouldn’t go out of our way and make it our goal to out do everyone else in the room.

People grieve differently. Some cry and some just don’t. Funerals are stressful.

Understand this, we are there for our friends and family and they are there for us.

Sometimes it’s difficult to handle ourselves properly and we really are at a loss for words at moments.

Think about whom you are talking to. Remember who this person is and whom you are talking about.