When someone in your life dies, it's one of life's most painful experiences. The weight of grief can be overwhelming, and it makes it very difficult to focus on what needs to be done next. During this time, it's important that you take things one step at a time and lean on every available resource and support that you have around you. Whether you're navigating the legal matters of a will and probate or you're choosing headstones for a grave, every decision is a small act of honouring your loved ones life and you have to do it with gentleness for yourself. Let's take a look at the steps that you need to take after losing a loved one.
Allow yourself time to grieve
Before you do anything else, you have to give yourself permission to feel the loss. It will come in waves and is not linear, but grief is a deeply personal experience. There is no right way to grief. Surround yourself with the right people who are supportive and will listen to you without judgement. And consider talking to a counsellor that specialises in grief.
Get close to your friends and family
Once you're able to, reach out to immediate family and close friends to tell them the news. If possible, delegate this task of notifying extended family or others to someone that you trust. Having help can ease the burden during those early days.
Make the immediate arrangements
You will need to work closely with a Funeral Home or memorial service provider to make arrangements for a funeral. This may involve planning a memorial or a celebration of life or going the whole religious hog with a burial or cremation. Any final wishes that have to be handled will be in your hands and you need to speak to those around you to make sure that those are done.If there is a will or pre planned funeral details, those are the instructions that should guide your choices.
Choose the right resting place
This is where headstones often come into consideration. Whether you're planning a traditional burial or not, selecting a meaningful and durable headstone can be a lasting tribute. This isn't something you have to do overnight, so take your time.
Handle the legal and financial matters
Once the immediate arrangements have been settled, it's really important that you address the legal and financial side of things. This may include locating the will or contacting a probate attorney. So take your time and go through all of the paperwork.
Don't forget yourself
Grief can affect your sleep, appetite and energy levels.It's important that you try to maintain a routine, even a small one, and take care of your physical and emotional health. The simplest of acts like walking, journaling or preparing your food can provide you with comfort.
