Friend Dead...What do I say?

United States
December 20, 2006 11:12am CST
This morning a semi-close friend of mine died of cancer. I want to call his wife and check on her, but what do I say. I am worried about her and I want to say the right thing, but what can you say to a woman who just lost her husband. They have been married for two years and they found the cancer a few months after they were married. I feel like I should go over there and maybe cook or clean or help her do anything that will help her out. What do I say to her?
8 people like this
67 responses
@tigrashadow (1086)
• Australia
20 Dec 06
im sorry to hear about your friend. just go and spend time with her and offer support if she wants it and a shoulder to cry on, and reassure her that you are here to help in any way she needs...maybe even cook a nice meal for her and take it over there to share and sit down and just chat (or not) even silences can be good when there is someone sharing it with you... everyone is different when it comes to coping with the loss of a loved one....just do what your heart feels is right....and maybe not say too much but offer the help and support should she require it... well wishes
1 person likes this
@jen20619 (1300)
• Ireland
21 Dec 06
realy?
@EagleEyes (646)
• United States
20 Dec 06
I wouldn't worry so much as what you should say to her, I think you should go over there and just hug her at first, then the words will come. I think she probably needs all the support she could possibly get at this time. Just being there for her will mean so much to her. I am sorry about your friend : (
1 person likes this
@jen20619 (1300)
• Ireland
21 Dec 06
realy?
@pendragon (3349)
• United States
20 Dec 06
You tell her how sorry you are for her loss, listen to her if she needs to talk, offer to help out and see what she says. It's always better to ogger, sometimes just knowing people care is what makes all the difference.Grief shouldnt separate people with social barrier, but bring them together.I'm sorry about your friend.
@jen20619 (1300)
• Ireland
21 Dec 06
this for real?
@jen20619 (1300)
• Ireland
21 Dec 06
this for real?
@kaspyv (1011)
• United States
20 Dec 06
it doesn't matter what you say ...just let her know you are there for her. it means so much just to know that friends are near at a time like this. I speak as a woman who has also lost a husband and I know the pain your friend is going through. just let her know you care and the words will come when they are needed.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Dec 06
There is never a right thing or wrong thing to say. Im sorry sounds lame and generic. All you have to do is listen, comfort and be there. That will mean the most then words alone.
1 person likes this
• Romania
17 Jan 07
While you're sitting and thinking what you should say, she is suffering for her husband. There is nothing more to say except:"I`m very sorry for your loss" and a big great hug, both of these actions coming from your heart. The idea of helping is very good. Any support in these moments is more than welcomed! And don't think that if you do small things she won't notice and thank you afterwards, because she will remember everyone and everything they did for her in these moments of pain.
@favedos (28)
21 Dec 06
there is really nothing you can say under the situation.you will still tell her one day.i will say you call those you think she has soft spot for to be around before you tell her.
@milagre (1272)
• Portugal
21 Dec 06
Just tell her how much you sorry and share that sad moment and if in any case she needs help you will be there to provide her the help.
• United States
21 Dec 06
Go and do things, and it won't matter what you say, as long as she knows you are there for her. Ask her what she needs. Give her a big hug. It won't matter if you don't say anything.
@kbkbooks (7022)
• Canada
21 Dec 06
It's always hard to say what seems right. It's great to say "I'm thinking of you and just wanted to check if you need anything I can help with." Of course you are worried about her. Nothing is wrong with just calling to say you care. Yes, if you can cook and offer to help her with the house, that is wonderful to. Say you feel a loss also as his friend. Don't be afraid. Sometimes just listening is enough. Sometimes just silence and a hug is enough. You will know when you are with her. Don't worry, just let it happen.
@TerryZ (22076)
• United States
21 Dec 06
Just be there for her. Whatever she needs how little it may seem it is huge to her. Dont worry about what you are going to say. Just go to her and everything will fall into place. best of luck
@Marie2473 (8512)
• Sweden
21 Dec 06
U don´t have to say anything, just show her that u care and that u are there for her. Sometimes actions can say so much more than words and I am sure that she is feeling alot of different emotions right now and might just need someone to talk to - someone who isn´t THAT close to her..
• India
21 Dec 06
Really sad to hear it. But what we can do for his wife is just we can give our hands for a support to her life. we can help her what we can able to do.
• India
21 Dec 06
THE BEST U CAN DO IS THAT U JUST GO THERE AND CONSOLE HER.IF U ARE MARRIED THEN TELL HER TO GO THERE AND CONSOLE HER.TO SEE U AND UR FAMILY IS A RELIEF IN HER LIFE .
@im_vjy (1480)
• India
21 Dec 06
Just go to her home or call her say wat ever that comes on ur mind!! I hope you will not mess things up!! good luck buddy!!!
@krizz420 (4385)
• Canada
21 Dec 06
Sorry to hear about your problem but theres not much you can do or say except that you are there for them in their time of need. Again sorry to hear about your loss.
@Kaorin (756)
• Australia
21 Dec 06
I think that she will be appreciative that you even cared enough to call at such a sad, awkward time. She'll be in such a sad time I think any words of condolence would be appreciated and understood. Perhaps you could pay her a visit, rather than give a call? That way, when the silences come (They always do at such a sad time)it's not so heart-breaking. Good luck.
• Philippines
21 Dec 06
In my opinion, you really don't have to say anything. In times like this, she just needs someone to be there.
@jal1948 (1359)
• India
21 Dec 06
I am sorry to hear this news,although i knew about his ailment, it still came as a shock,I am with you in this moment of grief,If there is any thing that i can do to ease your grief,or help in any way, please dont hesitate to call on me,Give her space for a few days ,and incase she does not call,then pay her a visit.
@jen20619 (1300)
• Ireland
21 Dec 06
i know what ya mean