Many of us have been in this situation. A friend, neighbour or someone we work with has gone through a very difficult time, whether a serious illness or the loss of a loved one. Perhaps when we first hear about this, we click “heart” or “sad face” on their Facebook post, thinking we will reach out further afterwards, or we simply think we will reach out and then time goes by and we haven’t done anything yet. And then as time goes by, when we think of this person and what they have gone through, we still want to show them we care, but we are hesitant to reach out because we think too much time has gone by and it’s now very awkward. We get nervous when we are about to see them next, we just don’t know what to do and we carry this with us.
Here’s the good news. It’s never too late to show your support. The person you care about will most definitely be touched by your gesture, even if it is some time later. Take the awkwardness away, deep breath and go for it!
Here are some suggestions of what you can do:
- Write a personalized note – either through a Facebook message, text, email or send a card. Make sure it’s personal and not something posted to the public. This will have deeper meaning. Say “I know you’ve gone through a hard time and I just want to let you know I’ve been thinking of you.”
- Send flowers, a gift basket or a treat with a note “hope this brightens your day a little”. This unexpected gesture will surely bring warmth that they are supported and loved.
- Send a donation in memory of the person who passed away. Or if they were ill, a donation to an organization that raises funds for the illness they have.