Catholic Questions - Death (3)

My co-workers husband died recently. I don't want to say the wrong thing. What should I do?

It is good that you want to do something. When someone has a loved one die, people often feel uncomfortable talking about it. But if we do nothing, we leave that person even more lonely and sad. Often one of the best things we can do is simply be there with them. We don't try to fix a person or take away their sadness. We just let them know we care. It is really important to be careful about what we say. It usually does not help if we say such things as, "I know exactly how you feel," or "I'm sure that God did this for a good reason," or "Don't cry." Sometimes it's best just to tell them we're sorry. If the person cries-or if we do-we need to remember that crying is not bad. It is a sign that we care. If you did not know your co-workers husband, perhaps you could ask them to tell you about them and what they were like. Also, it is good to remember that times like holidays and birthdays can be extra sad for those who have had a loved one die. Sometime it might feel a little awkward to reach out to someone who had a loved one die. But it is so important that we do so. For, through us, God can help them know that they are not alone.