if there’s one thing i’ve learned about loss it is this: there is nothing that prepares you, every situation and every person and family involved is different, and there’s no proper way to behave when someone loses someone. all’s fair.
all i can advise is to be there for the person. they probably don’t know how to handle it either. if they need a run to the store, or they need something covered, do it. the best one can do is be a friend.
i have a friend who is incredibly bright. he’s also a typical guy, who likes to analyze things and provide solutions. when his wife’s father passed away a few years ago, having been through a few recent losses, my only words to him were: just be there, and don’t try to figure this one out. there is no answer. just be there.
i believe life is a circle. you could be saying hello. you could be saying goodbye. the point is to say something.
tough stuff, but we’ll all get through, by being, which is what we do, after all.