Bartender Geek

So sorry for Sami's loss. I'm glad she knows she can hang out with you when she needs to get away from relatives and plans. She is getting lots of support right now. She'll need your support more in the coming weeks and months when everyone else has gone home. An invitation for a home-cooked meal and some company will be most welcome, I'm sure. I have the custom of keeping track of funeral dates and to make a "check-in" call at the end of shloshim. This is an important marker in the grieving process that is often overlooked. People always appreciate this call because they often still want to talk about their memories, but most everyone else has moved on in their own lives. Also, our society doesn't allow enough grieving time with our "get on with it and get back to work" attitude. Having someone remember that they are still grieving and call to ask how they are is very welcome. Stanetsky's Funeral Home has their rabbinic intern make follow-up calls to check in with anyone whose relative was buried through their funeral home. I think this is a wonderful idea. People really appreciate this call and really share their feelings, even more than at the shiva when people are often still in shock.