.jpg?20260601')
It is the second Eid since the regional conflict began. As I spend happy moments with my family, I cannot help but think of those who lost their loved ones to the Iranian aggression. My heart goes out to the families of the deceased, especially from Bahrain.
Death is inevitable and even though we can never be prepared for it, a natural one offers some form of closure. However, when someone important is so brutally and suddenly taken away from us, nothing anyone says or does can fill that void.
Even so, saying the right thing and behaving in an appropriate way around those who are grieving is important.
Many a time, we find ourselves lost for words when attending a funeral or reaching out to a friend who might have experienced personal loss. While we can only truly know how it feels when we experience it first-hand, there is always the possibility of letting empathy guide us.
There was a time when it was ‘appropriate’ to say ‘he/she is in a better place’. Today, thanks to some content creators who have witnessed death and made videos on the subject, we know better.
“The best place for my father to be is with me,” one TikToker said.
‘Be strong’ is another common condolence message, which does anything but offer solace. Many grievers have noted that crying helps them on their healing journey. In fact, navigating grief is far from linear. Grief, they say, comes as waves. One moment you are fine and the next you are washed over by that tempestuous sea of emotion.
Yet another faux pas is stating ‘I know how you feel’ – no, you do not!
So then, what can we say? Based on online reels and articles, people who are grieving find phrases that hold space and honour their reality to be comforting. ‘I am here for you’, for instance, gives the person space to feel vulnerable.
Words of service followed by acts also help. ‘I am sending you a casserole’ is a wonderful love language.
Never underestimate the power of bringing up happy and good memories of the deceased member. We often dread the awkwardness that could follow but the truth is, knowing that someone remembers your loved one even after they are gone is reassuring.
People who are grieving a loved one often feel isolated as they see the world ‘move on’ after the funeral while they are still ‘stuck’. When we recount an experience with their person, we offer them an act of love and empathy.
While the right words can heal, in some situations, silence is your best friend; just holding their hand, hugging them or placing your hand on their shoulder...
We all know someone who has lost someone. This Eid, while we send out greetings, let’s also make time to reach out to friends, loved ones, or even colleagues and tell them how much their person is missed.
Malini S
&uuid=(email))