Death of a Close Friend

write them on facebook

I lost one of best friends back in December, I know what you're going through. Prayers sent.

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What is the proper etiquette in regards to helping his family out? I've already called several family members to offer my condolences and offer to help in any way that I can in regards to funeral preparations.

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I would say that you done enough

You did exactly what you should have done. I'm sorry for your loss.

Sounds to me like you have done everything that you needed to do...you may want to bring some food to the immediate family on the day of the service...

they know you are concerned and have offered your help...anything further without them asking would be crossing the line, imo...

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What would the OT do?

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I would get A BUNCH of food, go drop it off at their home and see if there is anything I can do for them in their time of need.

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A good friend of mine passed away today.

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T&P

This may be an odd way to look at it but funerals are f*cked up for those who have lost. You have a few days to a week of constant barrage of people, then they all go back to their lives and the survivors are isolated.

A simple suggestion is to do something later on (the first month to first year of grief) with your friend's family and others who were close to them. That is usually when they actually need people but rarely ask.

Cooking a meal, like a gumbo, and just dropping it off seems to be common place. If there are kids maybe some sweets or something.

Also buying the kids fast food or even pizza (assuming the family is good with it) also seems to be something that distracts kids even if just for a few minutes.

Make it a point to be in and out when dropping it off, don't make it an option. Kind of say, "Hey, was going to handle dinner for y'all tonight. Just want to know if there is anyone who can't eat something."

If they say dinner is handled for that day be sure to say remind them that tomorrow night will be taken care of.

Very simple...be there for them.
It's hard to try to say the right thing but your presence will mean a lot...take that from someone who has been on both sides - unfortunately, more and more as time goes on.
Good luck.

Honestly just wait. I've been there and nothing said will help. Give it a little time. Wait for everyone else to move on with their lives and what you say then will help a lot more. They don't need words right now. They need time.