How to Mourn Your Grandparent's Death

When you are a child, it seems like grandparents are forever. They are old (to us, anyway) from our first memories, and they seem as if they will always be a fixture of our lives. One of the hardest parts of mourning them when they pass is also dealing with the pain that our own parents are in—something that not many of us are used to. All this pain is hard to deal with, but there are ways to cope.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Be there for your parents, and let them know that you share their pain. They will appreciate your company and the reminder that life is still going on. If you have children, bring them, too, and let them help support and love their own grandparents.
2. Help arrange for the viewing and funeral, and take some of the burden off of your parents if you can. Even if all you can do is cook them a meal or two, it will help them a great deal.
3. Remind yourself of all of the people that you still have left to love.
4. Take time for yourself, as well. Do not just try to support your parents—let someone support you, too.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don’t feel like you can handle work right away, stay home. You may need time to mourn and recover.