How To Help A Friend Grieve….

We all know someone that has lost someone near and dear to them---a spouse, a child, or someone very special.  The right words---what you say CAN make ALL the difference.  And dealing with someone who has lost someone can be really challenging.  We all want to help and lend a hand, but usually we don't have a clue how to respond or don't know what to say.  I have a list of some do's and don't which will help you be someone that they can really lean on and be glad that you ARE their friend.

Things NOT to Say:

They're now in a better place, everything always happens for a reason, you need to put this behind you, be strong, and this one---I've totally been there
Here's a list of things to say that ARE encouraging:

I'm here for you, I love you, I'm bringing over dinner, I'm so very sorry and I'm coming over to spend time with you. 

NOW YOU KNOW!   I know that one of my spiritual gifts is the gift of encouragement, and I hope this encourages you to say the right thing next time something like this happens.

(Yahoo)