What to do for a grieving friend

Call. Say “I’m so sorry.”
Reach out. Find the time to pay a visit.
Bring dinner or invite your friend for dinner.
Be a good listener. Avoid such comments as “I know just how you feel/” You cannot really know how someone else feels. Allow for silence.
Do mention the deceased person. Share memories.
Allow for tears. They are a natural way of expressing hurt.
Offer to go with your friend on simple routine errands. Be specific in your offers of help. Avoid such comments as “Call if you need anything.”
Avoid setting time limits on grief. You cannot really know the depth of someone else’s wound.
Be there. Sundays and holidays can be intolerably lonely times for the bereaved.
Be loving - a hug or a squeeze of your hand means more than you can ever imagine.

Courtesy of Hospice Services of Howard County, Columbia, Maryland.