A friend has lost their partner to illness. What can I read so I can be the best friend possible to them? I have no experience with loss. They have young kids, if that’s relevant to the recommendation.
I really like nonfiction, self-help, or memoirs. Anything that would help me understand their experience and what they need most from those around them, and what the grieving process is like.
by IWillFightRip
2 Comments
I just wanted to tell you that’s what is much more important than understanding their grief is simply being there for them, for any possible thing. And know that at the same time that they’re very likely going to need help and could use you around., they’re also very likely not going to be coming out and saying that. So you have to walk a fine lines because you don’t want to be constantly letting them know that you’re there. I’ll tell you that I did a few times for a woman who’d lost a close loved one.
I went to a park right next to where she lived, with a couple books and a bunch of nibbles. I texted her with a pic of where I was, telling her that I was going to be there all day and evening, and that if she wanted to or needed to get in touch for any reason at all, she could, and if she wanted to be alone that was obviously okay too, but that I’d be there the whole time just in case.
Just try to do the best you can to help them out while also giving them the space they need.
i worked in LTC/Hospice all my life, over 50 years…. the best book to read is by Elizabeth kubler ross… Death and dying….. she has written others after this one, but this one was the only one i needed……you are a good friend…… sorry for your loss as well as for them….