Remembering Others In Grief - The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional

Remembering Others in Grief

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

My widowered neighbor, who lives alone, lost his sister recently. They were very close. He would visit her weekly at the nursing home where she lived and take her to doctor appointments. Her death was a bit of a surprise, made even worse by the fact that, because of a snowstorm, he didn’t get to see her one last time.

As soon as we heard the news, my family visited him, bringing him handmade cards and store-bought cookies. We sent flowers to the funeral and attended the wake to show our support to a man who had come to mean so much to us. We had conversations with our other neighbors about who would visit him and when, to make sure he felt loved and supported over the next several days. Our kids continued to visit him in the weeks that followed to make sure he was doing all right.

Remembering those we’ve lost and the kindness shown to us during our grief can help us reach out to those who are grieving as well. I once had a friend tell me she got an anonymous card offering encouragement each month for a year after her father died. She told me how comforting it was to receive each one, especially during holidays and special times of the year like anniversaries and birthdays. She was touched that someone would remember her each month. I think about what a wonderful show of support this was to my friend. Although simple, it took intention on the part of the giver to remember to do this each month.

Kindness shown toward those experiencing a loss can be especially valuable, particularly after the initial condolences have quieted down. Letting others know that we are there for them, even long after the loss, is one way we can help offer comfort to those who mourn.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Think of someone who has lost a loved one, either recently or in years past, and send them a note offering comfort and encouragement.