While grief has no specific timeline, it’s almost always the first few days after a loved one’s death that is the hardest. And the feeling of loss is especially more immense if it’s your life partner that had passed away. Many people give sympathy gifts like memorial wind chimes to help a grieving person cope. And there are many more ways to help ease someone who’s mourning the passing of a partner.
In this article, we’re giving tips on what you need to do during the days following the death of your significant other.
Take the time to grieve. Though everyone knows that people die at some point in time, no one can ever be prepared when that time comes — especially if it’s a life partner that we’re talking about. So grieve your own way and embrace the emotions that you’re feeling. Give yourself the time, the space, and the opportunity to process your thoughts.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Different factors or situations can make grieving more painful. Sudden death. Unresolved fights. The weight of these things can suddenly crash into your chest all at once. This is why you have to go easy on yourself. Again, allow yourself to grieve because it will help you clear your thoughts and think things through, one issue at a time.
Find a support system. Never be afraid to express your feelings. To help you be comfortable when talking about your experience and sentiments, it’s essential to find a strong support system. It can be your eldest child, your siblings, best friends, or your parents. With these people by your side, you can learn to accept and cope with loss more easily.
Allow others to help you. No man is an island. And when facing a situation as painful as the death of a life partner, you’d certainly need others’ help to go on with your life. Especially during the first few days, emotional support and practical assistance are crucial. Allow others to help you do simple chores such as paying the bills or preparing meals. Also, don’t forget to appreciate those who, in their own way, are helping you cope — including those who take the time to visit the funeral and give sympathy gifts like memorial wind chimes.
Do things at the right time. As stated, you have to give yourself enough time to recover from your beloved partner’s repose. If there are things that don’t need urgent attention, just let them be first. It’s important to perform tasks (e.g., sorting your partner’s belongings) when you’re fully ready to do them. Doing them when you’re in an unstable condition — physically, mentally, and emotionally — can only do more harm than good.
Honor your partner’s legacy. When someone passes away, talking about the memories you shared with them and the impact that they left is an effective way of keeping their presence alive. Even during the first few days of your partner’s death, if you feel like talking about them already, let your support system so they can share meaningful conversations with you. Turning to remembrance gifts such as personalized memorial wind chimes can also help preserve the legacy of your life partner.