107 Ways to Help Others

About the Book

Grief is like ocean waves, hitting hard against the sand and receding, only to return. Waves of emotion crash, and people say, “I don’t know what to say or do to help.” This book is for them. It’s for you. We all have either lost someone or tried to comfort the bereaved and felt helpless. Every page gives a fresh idea for comforting during the hardest time in someone’s life—perhaps your own. Luann Lee Brown worked as an occupational therapist for twenty years, mostly in psychiatry, helping depressed people in crisis. She volunteered at a local police department helping give death notifications or supporting a family and friends when a loved one committed suicide, as well as other roles during horrific times. This book includes a section on helping those left behind after suicide or murder and sections on how to help children in the throes of grief. May the waves of grief soften and become less treacherous. May the sun shine and sparkle on the ocean of your or your loved ones’ lives. May you feel the joy of serving another while you heal from your near drowning in an ocean of your own loss.

About the Author

I have published magazine articles and books, but never has a book meant more to me than this one. When my husband of thirty-four years first died, people said one of two things the most often: 1. “If there’s anything I can do, just let me know.” (I didn’t know how anyone could help) 2. “I just don’t know what to say or do to help you.” (Me neither) Once in a while someone said or did just the right thing that cloaked me with comfort, even if just for a short time, and meant so much to me. I had to write it down or I would surely forget. (Your brain leaves your head at the time you lose your beloved) Why did I write these things down back then? So I could later write thank you notes to the right people, letting them know that what they had done had mattered so much. Then, I recognized how lost my loved ones were – because they had also lost someone they cared for or loved. We were all in this gnarled forest of the unknown, bumping into each other in seconds of discomfort and moments of consolation. I had worked for twenty years as an occupational therapist and years as a Victim Advocate with a local Police Department. I’d given many death notifications; I’d comforted people during the worst time of their life. Yet, I could not comfort myself when I most needed it. And few others could either. It was then that I knew a book such as this was needed, not only for those who have suffered a loss, but also for those seeking ways to give comfort and aid. You can open it anywhere and find a piece of practical wisdom. I added a special section for dealing with children grappling with grief and another section on the often “forgotten loss:” suicide. I have moved back and forth between the male and female perspectives From ways to add joy to ways to comfort heart wrenching pain for but a moment or two, this book has something for everyone. Because we all have to deal with death at some time or another. Thus, this book is for you.