What is Bereavement Support?

    What is the worst feeling that an individual can encounter? It's the bereavement over the loss of a loved one. It's the sorrow in knowing that their physical presence will never be seen again. It is the grief in knowing one cannot roll over to receive a "good morning" kiss; one cannot lift up their child and swing them around to hear the sweet, innocent laughter that once spilled out of their little mouth; one cannot pick up the phone and call that dear friend or family member to explain a previous experience. In the lost feeling of loneliness it is hard, at times, to respect the reality that it was that individuals' time to leave this world. In search for that respect, a certain support is needed to help them pull though.

    This is where bereavement support comes in. Bereavement support is also known as the presence of another to show that no one is alone, the ears to listen to the sadness that the other is going through, the voice to remind them of the blessed memories left behind, and the arms to embrace their feeling of emptiness. This support is an informative truth in what we will all experience at one point or another. This is where friends, even foes, come together.

    The tragedy of September 11 is a prime example. Hundreds lost their lives and even more lost their loved ones. This country has extraordinarily picked up its broken pieces due to the bereavement support of those whom were and were not involved. America has come together to stand tall and support the down fall that was pushed upon it. It is because of this support that sufferers have been able to cope in the loss of one, or more, of their loved ones.

    Bereavement support is a give and take. Give yourself to another when needed and take the appreciation that may or may not be openly shown. Give advice to the confused mind and love to the broken heart. To support someone is not to expect anything in return, but to expect nothing. Showing this support is bringing your own mourned experiences to the table, without mentioning anything that could bring more grief to the mourner. Let the mourner know that you are there for them in any time of need, and prove it. Supporting someone is being a friend, truly caring about the situation.

    To support is also to teach. Teach the meaning of emotional strength, acceptance, and perseverance. Teach the individual to wake up in the morning and give thanks for the life of other loved ones as well as their own. Let them know that there are others who need them as much as they needed the one who passed. Grant them the opportunity to look not at the negative aspects of the one who left this life, but at the positive truth that they will meet again.

    In the end, we all lose those that are close. As they will, eventually, lose us. Giving bereavement support shows others that they are not alone; that the individuals that are still standing are there, together, to make it through. Support is that in which brings families closer, friendships tighter, and broken relationships together. With the good comes the bad, and vice versa. One could be grieving of the loss of another, but rejoicing over the stability of those who supported them. It is because of the support of another that our world is still spinning, metaphorically speaking.