Offer a Lending Hand

Providing specific help to the family is a gracious gesture. Concrete assistance is more valuable than open-ended statements like "let me know how I can help." While you might have the best intentions with a more general offer, it puts the burden on the bereaved. Instead offer to:

• notify family friends about funeral arrangements
• answer the phone and greet visitors
• pick up out-of-town visitors from the airport
• cook and deliver a meal or coordinate others to deliver meals
• provide transportation to the funeral events
• provide pet or child care
• run errands
• keep young children occupied at the visitation or service
• help with household tasks (lawn care, snow removal, driving)