What do you say to a grief-stricken mother?
Sunday, June 8, 2014 @ 10:25 AM
Unlike my usual posts, this isn't one where I am going to pontificate and set out all my arguments against something or other. I'm looking for advice.
My Spanish friend's adult son has died. We don't yet know the circumstances (could be illness, accident, suicide, foul play). We are going to Spain soon and I have no idea what to say to her.
I've always been useless at dealing with other people's bereavements and as I get older will have to learn as it's going to happen more often. So I'm looking for ideas on the do's and dont's. What can I say to her? I don't mind answers in English or Spanish - obviously I'll be talking to her in Spanish, but it's more the content of what you should say in these circumstances. We're neither of us touchy-feely - she's a different generation - in her 70s.
Any ideas appreciated.
[NB. I'm not putting the question on the Forum, because it's not the right kind of forum]