In our experience as a funeral home in Laredo, TX, losing someone you love is one of the hardest things a person can go through in life. Your world stops, and everything changes forever. 

The seemingly never-ending ache, the feeling of emptiness, and the inability to process what has happened are just some things that one has to deal with after losing someone. 

However, it’s not all bad news. While losing someone we love leaves us with a heavy burden to carry for the rest of our lives, it also brings people closer together. Visiting a friend who is dealing with the loss of a loved one is one way to show support and help them heal faster. 

Here are five tips on what to say if you visit someone who’s lost a loved one: 

1. “I’m so sorry for your loss” 

This is one of the first things you should say to a bereaved person. It’s a great way to start a conversation, as it addresses the elephant in the room right away. It is a simple thing to say, but it shows that you care. 

You are not trying to brush the death under the rug or ignore what happened because it’s uncomfortable for you or the grieving person. You can say this whether or not the bereaved person was close to the deceased. 

2. “Know that I am here for you if you need anything” 

This is a thoughtful thing to say to a bereaved person or family because intrusive thoughts are not uncommon with grief. They will sometimes feel like no one understands what they are going through or that they have no one anymore. 

You can help them get through this by letting them know that they are not alone and that there is someone there for them whenever they need support. 

3. “You are in my thoughts and prayers right now” 

Sometimes all people need after losing someone they love is some kind words from friends and family. Those who believe in God or another higher power appreciate prayers because it is a kindness they believe can also benefit the deceased. 

4. “What can I do to help? Can I bring anything over?” 

When you offer to bring over food or drop by with some flowers, it shows the bereaved that you want to help. You could also offer to take them out for dinner, help them run some errands or something else they may need, like company, so they don’t feel so alone. 

You may also ask, “What do you need right now?” Everyone deals with grief differently and has different needs in order to get through it. Asking what those specific needs are may help alleviate their suffering while in mourning. 

5. “I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you right now” 

Here is another simple thing to say that means a lot. It acknowledges the person’s pain rather than presuming to understand. Even if you have been there, grief is individual. 

You can only tell how someone’s death makes you feel and not how hard (or otherwise) it is for another grieving party. This is because no two people share the exact same connection with another person. 

When you visit someone who has recently lost a loved one, the last thing you want to do is make things more awkward than they already are. You might feel unsure of what to say or how to act around them. But in reality, all they probably want is for you to be yourself and show them that you understand how important the deceased was to them. In addition to deciding on a final resting place for your loved one, you will also choose a type of funeral service in their honor.   

Talk to someone before, during, or even after services at our Laredo, TX, funeral home for more insights on navigating grief. Alternatively, visit or call us today.