Few of us know the words to say at a time of intense sorrow. I surely don’t!
In the uncomfortable silence when someone’s lost a loved one, have you ever tried to fill the gap with words? Yep, me too. For some reason we’ll attempt to bring sense to a situation that really makes no sense.
Sometimes there are no words!
I would like to suggest three words for the forever “banned-after-grief” list.
Well at least…_______________________. You fill in the blank.
Well at least she died quickly. What a great way to go.[but I never got to say good bye.]
Well at least you’re young; you’ll marry again. [but I already married the one I loved most.]
Well at least you have other children. [yep, but I loved this one more than life itself.]
Well at least they had a long life. [maybe so, but surely not long enough.]
Words may momentarily fill an awkward silence, but can minimize someone’s pain, tears and mourning.
In the wake of crushing loss, If you’ve experienced the presence of a dear friend, silently saying, “I’m so sorry. I’m with you,” you have been blessed~ probably better than 1000 words.
If you have questions about what to say, what not to say- anything grief related, What’s Your Grief is an extraordinary site. Check it out!