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Friday July 30,2010

My Friend Lost His Grandfather

by Deb Sims, MS,RNCS,LCSW

How do I talk to my friend who just lost his grandpa?

Dear Reader:

This is the only part of the message that came through. However, maybe this says it all. Talking to others about grief can be hard. We worry we'll say the wrong thing, or sometimes it brings death home to us and we worry we'll lose someone ourselves.

Just the fact that you are asking, though, expresses your caring and thoughtfulness. My guess is if you just speak from the heart--tell him you don't really know what to say but you're really sorry--things will flow from there. There is an article under the article section of this web site on what to say and what not to say, if you feel you need additional help. But your concern came through in your question and that's really what people need: just to know that you care and you recognize they are hurting.

Thank you so much for asking such a thoughtful question.

Blessings,

Deb

Debbie Sims is a Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Psychiatric Nursing, has a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She maintains a private practice in counseling but her devotion is to her position as Editor for Beyond Indigo an Internet web site for those who are grieving.