Obit

Advice on What’s Helpful to Say and What Not to Do When Someone’s Grieving

Download PDF

By Amanda H. Geffner

We’ve all heard them. Or said them. The phrases uttered after an awkward silence to a hurting friend: “She’s finally at peace;” “God needed him;” and yes, even, “Everything happens for a reason…”Or nothing is said at all. Days, weeks, months go by and it is business as usual, except for the avoidance of eye contact or a pitying glance. A person suffering a loss or serious illness can find him or herself caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to disclosing their situation.