August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day—a time to honor our losses, support one another, and remember that no one needs to walk through grief alone. Whether your loss is recent or years past, your story matters. This day is a chance to share, listen, and be present for others who understand the language of loss. It saddens me that in order to create a compassionate grief literate culture we need a national day to improve our care of the bereaved. Let us use this day to open conversations, break the silence around grief, and offer kindness to ourselves and those around us. Even the smallest act—lighting a candle, wearing something in remembrance, or reaching out to someone—will make a difference. Our voice, our presence, and our compassion will help create a space where healing is possible. So please do something this week that involves helping those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. Here are some tips to get you started as reflect on how to participate.

Questions that Invite Sharing about a deceased loved One

• What is one of your favorite memories of your loved one?
• How would you describe them to someone who never met them?
• Which of your loved one’s qualities do you see living on in you or others?
• Is there a story about them you find yourself returning to?

Questions that Acknowledge the Grief

• How are you getting through today?
• What has felt hardest for you lately?
• What has been helping you, even a little, when the grief feels heavy?
• Are there times when the loss feels especially painful for you?

Questions that Offer Gentle Support

• Would it help to talk about them right now, or would you rather have a distraction?
• What kind of support feels most comforting to you these days?
• Are there certain times or days when you could use extra company or a check-in?
• Is there a way I can honor them with you?

Here’s a list of compassionate, concrete things you can do for someone actively grieving a loss. These are meant to show presence, care, and support without overwhelming them:

Acts of Presence

• Sit with them quietly, allowing silence to be okay.
• Offer a gentle hug, touch on the hand, or simply your presence if welcome.
• Say their loved one’s name often and listen more than you speak.

Practical Help

• Bring prepared meals or arrange a meal train.
• Help with household chores: laundry, dishes, vacuuming, yardwork.
• Offer to drive them to appointments, errands, or the cemetery.
• Take care of small but draining tasks (mail, groceries, pet care).

Emotional Support

• Check in regularly with simple messages like, “Thinking of you today.”
• Remember anniversaries, birthdays, or holidays with a note or call.
• Give them space to talk about their loved one without changing the subject.
• Create a safe space for tears, anger, or silence.

Honoring Their Loved One

• Light a candle in their loved one’s memory and let them know.
• Create or share a memory book, photo collage, or playlist.
• Donate to a cause meaningful to their loved one.
• Invite them to share a story about their loved one with you.

Gentle Companionship

• Go for a walk together.
• Invite them for coffee, with no pressure to talk about grief unless they want to.
• Sit together and watch a comforting show or movie.
• Encourage restful activities like listening to music or journaling.

Ongoing Care

• Continue support beyond the first weeks—grief lasts far longer than people assume.
• Offer to accompany them to a grief group, memorial, or service.
• Ask directly, “What would feel supportive right now?”

For more ideas on participating in National Grief Awareness Day stop by Mile’s table at Holden Days, this Saturday August 23rd located at the funeral home on Main St.  I am happy to help individuals and organizations develop grief literacy.