VIA Health Partners

Have you ever really wondered what are the appropriate words to say to someone who has just lost a loved one?

During this time, Your words will either Make you or Break you!

Having just lost my Husband and hearing it all, I had an interview Jim Cooper on WSIC News last week.  Jim is the Education and Resources Manager of VIA Health Partners – formally known as Hospice. The same services but a new name.

VIA means being beside someone or alongside someone while they are grieving.

VIA not only gets you through the End-of-Life process but the Grieving process as well. They are the total deal. You may feel lonely, but you are never alone.

When Do You Call in Hospice or VIA?

If you are not sure when to call VIA, let them help you decide. Once I told Jim Lee’s Story and diagnosis, he said the Hospice Nurse would come that day and decide. Because it was a new disease and they had never worked with a patient with it. The decision was yes, they would take Lee on and work with him.

• To watch the Radio show that we did with Jim Cooper- go to: https://www.facebook.com/wsicnews/videos/541042514828823

Some of the Top Few Things Not to Say to a Person Grieving!

The most common Saying I have heard from Day One:

• “I hate to say this but, He is in a BETTER Place”- You don’t know that for sure and I am not! People don’t understand the pain that goes along with the passing of a loved one.
• “I Understand How You Feel”- How could you? You weren’t married to him or knew him that well. 

• “Not saying anything”- Do they even know or care? Should I tell them or just wait to see if they say something.
• His Suffering is over”- Your is just starting, and that is not comforting.
• “You will Heal in Time”- If I only knew how much time it would take.
• “ You need to go and get a Dog”- You can’t replace what they have lost with a PET!

What should you say to a Person Grieving!

I am here for you! Anytime you need a HUG, FRIEND, GOOD LISTNER-I am here for you! And make sure when and if they call, you mean it. Let them talk until you know they have gotten it all out.

Make a list of things you might feel comforting during a time of Grief.

• Some Prepared Dinners.
• To go to a movie?
• Go out for Lunch?
• Just a visit in your home or you to theirs?

This is a time where Words mean everything and Less is Best! Think carefully before you speak and do it with Love. 

Review and photos by Margi Kyle and Kepner Funeral Home

As Managing Editor for LKNConnectcommunity.com, I am always looking for writers, new businesses and opportunities to bring awareness to the ways Lake Norman is growing. Co-Host on WSIC Radio- NEWS. TALK. NOW. with Debbie O’Handley, on Comm(unity) Centered! A new business, product or ideas that you would like the area to know about? This is the place to share your new and exciting ventures. Together we are making Lake Norman the most sought after place to live. One article and Radio Show at a time.

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