How to comfort those facing grief

Grief is one of the most personal and complex emotions we experience.

It has no set timeline, no rulebook, and no simple path.

Each individual walks their own journey through loss, and often the most powerful gift we can offer is not a perfect phrase or grand gesture, but simply our presence.

In a world that tends to rush through pain and encourage ‘moving on’, the power of presence cannot be overstated. It’s a quiet, steady force that brings comfort in the midst of heartache.

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Whether you’re supporting a close friend, family member, or colleague who is mourning a loss, knowing how to show up – really show up – can make all the difference.

In this post, we explore what it truly means to be present, how to offer genuine compassion, and the thoughtful ways we can honour loved ones, including meaningful keepsakes like ashes to glass and ashes into glass memorials.

Grief: A unique & ongoing journey

Everyone grieves differently. For some, sorrow is immediate and overwhelming. For others, it comes in waves, catching them off guard weeks or even months later. There is no ‘right way’ to grieve, just as there is no fixed duration for mourning.

Understanding this is crucial when offering support. It’s not about fixing the person or rushing them through their pain. It’s about walking beside them – quietly, steadily, patiently.

Often, people worry about saying the wrong thing, so they say nothing at all. But silence or absence can deepen the sense of isolation. Instead of striving for perfect words, aim for authentic presence. A simple, ‘I’m here if you want to talk’, or ‘I don’t know what to say, but I’m thinking of you’, can mean more than you realise.

The gift of being there

Being present is not only about physical proximity; it’s also about emotional attentiveness. When you’re with someone who is grieving, try to be fully there – listen without interrupting, avoid the temptation to compare their grief with your own, and resist offering quick solutions or clichés. Avoid phrases like:

● ‘At least they lived a long life’.
● ‘Time heals all wounds’.
● ‘Everything happens for a reason’.

These may be well-intentioned but can come across as dismissive. Instead, opt for:

● ‘I can’t imagine what you’re feeling, but I’m here for you’.
● ‘This must be incredibly hard. I’m so sorry for your loss’.
● ‘I’m here whenever you need me – no pressure’.

These statements validate the mourner’s feelings and remind them they are not alone.

Compassion through action

Compassion is more than a feeling – it’s action. Consider practical ways you can help, especially in the early days of grief when simple tasks can feel monumental. Can you deliver meals, walk the dog, or help with errands? Sometimes, showing up without being asked is the most touching gesture.

Grief doesn’t end after the funeral, so continued support in the weeks and months that follow is especially meaningful. A message on a significant date, a card, or a visit can show that their loss is not forgotten – and neither is the person they loved

Creating meaning through memory

For many people, finding ways to remember their loved one helps keep the connection alive and can bring a sense of peace amidst the pain. Memorial items are one such way to honour the life that was lived.

A growing number of people are turning to keepsakes that incorporate the ashes of a loved one into beautiful, lasting objects. Ashes into glass is a touching example of this – turning cremated remains into exquisite glass jewellery or ornaments that can be worn or displayed.

These ashes to glass memorials are both physical and symbolic: they allow the grieving individual to carry a part of their loved one with them, offering comfort and a tangible reminder of their presence. From rings and pendants to paperweights and suncatchers, these pieces are crafted with care and respect, serving as heirlooms of love and memory.

Choosing such a keepsake can be part of the healing process, helping the bereaved to focus not only on what has been lost, but on what was cherished.

Respecting the silence

Sometimes, the most compassionate thing you can do is simply sit with someone in silence. In our talkative world, silence can feel uncomfortable, but it’s often in that quiet space that emotions are felt most deeply and authentically. Don’t be afraid of tears, or of not having the ‘right’ thing to say.

Silence doesn’t mean nothing is happening. It can mean safety. It can mean peace. It can mean understanding.

Supporting children in grief

If a child is part of the grieving process, your presence is even more essential. Children often struggle to articulate their emotions, and they may need support over a longer period of time.

Keep communication open and age-appropriate. Let them express their grief in their own way – whether through drawing, storytelling, or quiet companionship.

Keepsakes like ashes into glass jewellery can also help children feel close to the person they’ve lost. Wearing a necklace with a small amount of their loved one’s ashes can provide daily comfort and a sense of continuity.

Taking care of yourself

Supporting someone through grief can be emotionally demanding. It’s important to set boundaries, seek your own support, and recognise your limits. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Consider speaking with a counsellor or support group if you find yourself affected more deeply than expected.

It’s also worth remembering that grief has no neat timeline. Someone may appear ‘fine’ on the surface but still be experiencing waves of sadness. Be patient, keep checking in, and offer long-term support.

Honouring the lost, comforting the living

Grief is the price we pay for love – and love never really ends. Through remembrance, shared stories, and presence, we continue to honour the ones we’ve lost. Keepsakes like ashes to glass offer a poignant reminder of that enduring love, allowing the departed to remain a part of our daily lives in a gentle, beautiful way.

Whether you’re supporting a loved one or grieving yourself, remember: presence is powerful. You don’t need to fix the pain. You only need to bear witness to it, with empathy, humility, and heart. In a time of loss, your presence is more valuable than you might ever know.

Final thoughts

Grief is not a problem to be solved – it’s a reality to be felt and supported. Being present with someone in their sorrow is one of the most compassionate acts you can offer. It’s not about perfection or performance. It’s about connection.

And in the quiet moments – when the cards have stopped arriving, the casseroles have long been eaten, and the world has moved on – your ongoing care will be remembered.

Through simple acts of kindness and thoughtful memorials like ashes into glass, we help carry each other through life’s most difficult seasons. In doing so, we reaffirm the unshakeable truth that love – just like presence – endures.

This is a collaborative post.