Monday, September 23
A true friend shows love at all times, and is a brother who is born for times of distress.—Prov. 17:17.
The grieving process can vary greatly from person to person. Therefore, make yourself available, not just for the first few days when many friends and relatives are present, but in subsequent months when others have returned to their normal routine. Fellow Christians can be a source of profound comfort for someone for as long as it takes him or her to deal with grief. (1 Thess. 3:7) Remember that bereaved ones may experience pangs of grief triggered by anniversaries, certain music, photographs, activities, or even a specific smell, sound, or season of the year. Many things a bereaved marriage mate does alone for the first time—such as attending an assembly or the Memorial—can be particularly painful. Bear in mind, though, that bereaved ones need encouragement not only on special occasions. w17.07 16 ¶17-19
