If a close friend has recently passed away far from where you live, attending the funeral service may not be practical or possible. However, you can still show the bereaved that you’re thinking of them and available to help from afar. Here are some ideas to demonstrate your support for the grieving family.

How to Deal With a Long-Distance Loss

1. Send Flowers

Consider sending flowers, condolence cards, and letters to the funeral service. This is the simplest and most reliable way to express your sympathy for the family of the deceased. Check the funeral announcement to ensure you're sending the flowers to the right place and adhering to the family's wishes. For example, some families may prefer to have gifts sent to the funeral home, others may ask to have them sent to their home address, and some may ask for charitable donations instead.

2. Make a Donation

If your friend had a cause or a charity that was important to them, making a donation to it in their name can be a meaningful testament to their values and a fitting farewell. For instance, if they were an animal lover, you could give money to an organization like The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA). Whether you choose to tell your friend’s family about your donation is up to you, but letting them know could be a comforting reminder that their loved one’s interests were cared about.

3. Schedule a Visit

If work or daily commitments keep you from attending the funeral, plan a few days off to travel to your friend’s home and spend time with their family members. Coordinate with the family to ensure that they're available, and keep in mind that they may not be ready for visitors right away. By finding the right time to see them, you can provide comfort in person to show that you care for them.

When families in Willow Springs, MO, need dignified funeral services to commemorate their loved ones, they turn to Willow Funeral Home LLC. Having served Howell, Texas, and Douglas Counties for over 100 years, this funeral home offers compassionate, personalized funeral arrangements that celebrate the lives of those dear to them. They'll guide you through every phase of planning a ceremony to relieve you of as much of the burden as possible. Call (417) 469-3141 to schedule a consultation, or visit them online for more information on how they can help.