As family and friends we often want to F I X the problem when someone experiences grief.  At first, the best thing to do is to listen.   Listen to the person who is in grief.   THEN:
 

BE AVAILABLE.

MENTION THE DECEASED PERSON IN CONVERSATION.

BE PREPARED TO LISTEN AS LONG AS THE BEREAVED PERSON NEEDS T0 TALK.

ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN DISTRACTING ACTIVITIES.

GIVE THE INDIVIDUAL PERMISSION TO FEEL WHAT THEY FEEL.

ENCOURAGE THE PERSON TO SEEK HELP WHEN NEEDED.

RECOGNIZE THAT NORMAL GRIEVING IS PAINFUL.

BE ABLE TO SEEK ASSISTANCE FOR YOURSELF.
 

        There is an ever-increasing need to re-educate family, friends, co-workers and even the bereaved themselves on the need for on-going support.  An important reason for such education is the fact that the grieving process is one that evolves over a period of time and can last for years.  Support and understanding is needed throughout that period in order to assist the survivor toward resolution of the crisis that has changed every aspect of his/her life.