How to Grieve for the Loss of a Grandparent

Grandparents are often second mothers and fathers in our lives, so when they pass away it can be especially hard. Grieving over the loss of a grandparent is never easy, but there are steps to grieving appropriately.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Grief counselor
• A memorial fund
• Friends and family members
• Picture of your grandparent or an item that belonged to them

1. Find closure. One of the easiest things to do to find closure is simply say goodbye to your grandparent at a funeral. It's OK to talk to a tombstone or picture.
2. Cry. It's fine to be sad when you think about your grandparent, but don't let it disrupt your daily life too much.
3. Consider speaking at your grandparent's funeral.
4. Talk to a grief counselor. A grief counselor can help to answer your questions and allow you to remember your grandparent.
5. Talk to other grandchildren about the death. Chances are that you're not the only person grieving, so spend some time talking with others about the family member you've lost.
6. Remember the happy times. Your grandparent wouldn't want you to be sad, but surely would rather you remember the times where you've had fun together.
7. Keep an item that reminds you of your grandparent. This can be anything from a picture to one of his or her personal items.
8. Talk to an accountant or financial professional if you've inherited anything from your grandparent.
9. Consider setting up a memorial fund in honor of your grandparent so their friends can make donations to a charity that they would have liked.

Tips & Warnings

• Wait until after the funeral to read the will.
• Remember to always be respectful of the others grieving for your grandparent, even if you do not get along with them.
• If you are having thoughts of suicide or otherwise feel you can't deal with the grief, talk to your doctor or counselor immediately.