What To Tell The Grieving

Many people don't know how to deal with grief - I've had friends tell me as much. So they either talk too much and end up saying something inappropriate, or they keep their distance.

The following six words may not sound like much, but they, or variations of them, are all you really need to tell the grieving.

"I'm so sorry for your loss."

It helps if the words are accompanied by a hug, but that's not mandatory.

What Not To Tell The Grieving

When you're grieving, the last thing you want to hear is:


*It's been two weeks/months/years, and you're still not over it? (Grief doesn't have a deadline.)

*Everyone goes through it. (Every experience is individual.)

*Be thankful he/she didn't suffer. (Knowing this doesn't fill the void in your heart.)

*You'll get over it. (No, you don't. The intensity of grief wanes with time, but you never "get over" a loss.)

Rest in Peace, Father

Father, I never thought my first posting would be a memorial to you. You left this earth as you lived - quietly, passing gently into the night. And you've left a huge void in my life. My heart broke when mom died a few years ago, and now it's shattered to pieces. My anchor is gone and I'm adrift in the ocean of life. I feel so alone.

I love you, father. RIP