Dealing with the death of a co-worker can be extremely difficult. Feeling deep grief for a co-worker is totally understandable, though. After all, sometimes people spend more time with the people they work with than their own families. If you are facing some difficult feelings and worries over what to do at the cremation service for a co-worker, here are ways that you can deal with the situation that honors your co-worker and your own feelings.

Yes, It's Okay to Talk to the Family

Sometimes co-workers feel awkward for attending a cremation service since they weren't close buddies with the person outside of work. They may feel that they are making something about them that shouldn't be, or they may simply fear that the family wouldn't find it helpful to hear from them. The truth of the matter is that it can be very comforting for the bereaved to hear about how beloved the deceased person was at work. You may share stories that they would never have known, and it can provide a deeper understanding of their loved one.

Be Sure to Keep Condolences Sincere and Simple

No matter how well you knew your co-worker, it's best to keep your condolences sincere and simple. The family of the deceased will likely be overwhelmed on many levels at a cremation service. Simply go up to them and say a few comforting words before moving on. If you see that they are taking to the conversation and want to hear more about your relationship with the deceased, you can then expand on the stories that you have about the loved one.

Bring a Sympathy Gift

It's a thoughtful gesture to offer a gift to show your sympathy at this difficult time for the deceased co-worker's family. Be sure to check the obituary or online information about the cremation service for any special wishes of the family. Some people prefer a donation to a charity or a surviving child's educational fund in lieu of flowers. If the family requests an alternative to flowers, don't send them to the memorial service. Honor the family's wishes and provide a sympathy gift to show that your thoughts are with them. That's also a kind way to honor the memory of your co-worker.

Allow yourself the pain that comes up from a co-worker's passing and commit fully to the experience of attending the cremation services of a co-worker. It can ultimately help you heal from this painful loss.