How do i help 18yr to cope with great granfathers funeral

@Chris. Firstly, my sincerest condolences to you and family on this loss. Amazing, at 17 years old with everything else your g'daughter has going on in her life, she has also managed to care for this elderly gent. There are two ways she could get through this difficult task. She could write the eulogy, then you or another relative could recite what she has written, or you or another relative stand with her while she recites it herself. Is the service a church or just the crematorium service. Either way, there is no reason she has to stand on her own during this upsetting time. I was recently at a church service where a 17 year old boy chose to say a few words. His mother and siblings stood with him. He had written what he wanted to say and after saying how sad he was to lose this woman (his g'mother), he was reduced to tears, so his mother and sister took it in turns to recite what he had said. I would normally suggest visiting a Dr for short term relaxation AD's, but with everything she has going on, those might not be such a good idea. AD's tend to make people feel a bit drowsy and if your daughter still has to work or whatever, she doesn't need to feel drowsy. Remember, your daughter owes no-one an apology for her grief or how she is affected by it. I admire her for wanting to say 'goodbye' to this person she obviously adored. .

@Chris. Please accept my apologies, I didn't actually note your g'daughter's age. I assumed she was only 17. Still, 18 is quite a tender age for someone to care for an elderly person. Try to suggest your g'daughter 'focus' on something other than the coffin when she recites the eulogy. Try also suggesting that her g'father is now in Heaven and his never-ending love will guide her through. My daughter who is in her late 40's went through quite a difficult phase after her father suicided (not exactly the same thing, I know), but telling her, her father was watching over her, did help.

Death of a loved one is never easy @Chris. My children were 9, 11 and 13 when their grandfather died. I was in hospital as an involuntary patient. The hospital allowed me to attend his funeral escorted by 2 male nurses. I talked to the kids about Pa and all the fun times we'd had with him. I also talked about how lucky we had been to know such a special person. They really managed the funeral well and little 9 yo after the service was telling everyone after the service that he was the best Pa ever.

Despite being extremely unwell I gave the eulogy. How? I've no idea but my brothers stood by my side with an arm around me. I'm so glad I managed to do that for my Dad.

I think it's really important your granddaughter provides the eulogy for him. This obviously means a great deal to her. With her family beside her I'm sure she can rise to the occasion. A slightly faltering voice or a few moments of silence to gain her composure really doesn't matter. In fact it's quite common.

Our young adults today are capable of so much more than we give them credit for. I suspect you'll be more nervous than she is. It can be hard to remember thst these young people will be our strength and leaders of tomorrow. It's important for us to cut the apron strings enough to allow them to become the adults they were born to be.

Trust her and her maturity. I'm sure she will make you proud of the fine lass she has become. 💕💜💕