I'm a bereaved father, who lost his only child 5 years ago. If it's the loss if of their child, bring up the child by name. Yes, it will trigger some emotions

I'm a bereaved father, who lost his only child 5 years ago. If it's the loss if of their child, bring up the child by name. Yes, it will trigger some emotions in the bereaved, but it also lets them know that someone else remembers their child's life. Other than that, perhaps help them seek out a formal self-help support group if they are so inclined. The Compassionate Friends -- such a group supporting relatives after a child dies -- is one good example for my case. My wife and I think that TCF really helped us. I'm sure there are similar groups for other bereavement situations. Don't expect them to ever "be the same" again. They most likely can't be...