Bereavement

When someone loses a loved one, we all feel a connection based on how we would feel if it was our loved one that was lost. There are the usual platitudes, "He's better off." Yes he is. That's why he took the gun to his head, rather than face the alternative. Or, she would have taken the stuff that was prescribed if your religion had not worked against assisted suicide.

"They are with God." That one hurts because you know it ain't true because there ain't no God for her to be with.


Still, when you face a person experiencing a loss, "I'm sorry for your loss" seems not enough, even though it is the most direct and correct expression of kindness.

So when the other statements are offered, there is nothing to do but recognize that the person saying them has your interest at heart. Thank them for being there for you and go on, knowing that they care.