Could some offer me advice please?

A fellow market co-hort lost her husband last week. She is 32, he was 64. They had three children ages 4,9,13. They are Hispanic but speak just enough English to understand me. Her oldest son can interpret for me. He had Parkinson's Disease and most recently lung cancer.

Friends and family have left and not many come back to see them. Probably not sure how to handle it or what to say,which is often the case with many. I know one couple who are friends who go visit and pray with them, but the wife, and the children are having a very hard time.

I suggested to the friend to find them a grief counselor. She said she'll ask her DH to find one.

I want to visit them,but not sure how to "reach" children.

Thanks everyone.

Listen and play. Touch often as they will let you. Sit on the floor. Be there as a witness. It is the best gift you give them along with the love you obviously have for them.

How about taking something sweet for them to enjoy. Maybe take a ball, coloring books, or cards for them to play with.

I think it's important to visit even if you don't take anything. It seems as though people are around for the first week when everything is new, but then they disappear when reality sets in. Keep visiting. They need you.

Oh, and talk about the loved one who died. That helps too.

What a sad situation. So glad you are there to help, Di. I believe sharing good memories and acknowledging the loss and their feelings is good. They need to know it's ok to let it out and cry.

Reading some encouraging Scripture helps, if they allow you to.

Are there any others that would volunteer some time with this family?

Let them know you're there for them. Even when all you do is share some quiet time, the company is good! They might need help getting some errands done too.

God bless you for your efforts to help this family.

[ April 16, 2006, 07:00 PM: Message edited by: Songbird ]