Often a sense of helplessness engulfs you as you are forced to watch someone you love endure a season of mourning. You want to help bear their burden but feel awkward and uncertain as to what exactly is an appropriate response. Here are some helpful suggestions to get you started after you say, "I'm sorry.”
• Visit but sit quietly and listen. Your gentle presence speaks loudest. Let your words be few and Scripture quotes fewer still.
• Don’t say, “Call me if you need anything.” Grieving parents won’t. Just show up and be useful:
Put on a load of laundry. Fold another.
Stack the dishwasher.
Answer the phone. Write down the message with a return number
Clean the bathrooms
Throw out old newspapers
Water the plants
Go to the store. Pick up what’s missing from the refrigerator.
• Send cards weeks and months after the funeral. Most people move on but grieving parents don’t. Pray for them and then write to tell them that you did.
• Call on the anniversary of the death. Remind them you haven’t forgotten.
• Mail a package with small treats for the other siblings. A gift in the mail always brings a smile.
• Send an e-mail now and then. Keep it short. Let it be a gentle reminder of your love and genuine concern.
• Stop by unexpectedly and leave an arrangement of fresh flowers with a card at the door.
• Invite the family for dinner at your home. Keep the meal simple and the conversation kind.
• Ask the question, “Tell me all about your daughter. What was she like?” You could not give grieving parents a greater gift.
. Make a quick phone call just to let them know you are thinking about them.
. Bring by a gift of a meaningful book or CD to encourage them weeks afterward.

The smallest act of kindness becomes an enormous gift of encouragement to those walking through sorrow. Ask God to show you specifically how to minister to their grieving souls and then follow through when he prompts you. Above all else, pray diligently for God to minister and bring healing to their wounded hearts.