I have done a few too many funerals for children when the parents are still living. Every funeral is difficult, but these are some of the hardest.
One teenager comes to mind. I went to school with his mother and his father is a dear, personal friend. He was supposed to start college the following week, but tragically died in a car accident. He was a well-loved, funny, popular boy and the funeral home was packed with people paying their respects. As you can imagine, there were hundreds of students wrestling to understand why this happened to their friend. The receiving line for the family lasted for numerous hours over a couple of days.
I remember a number of people asking me the same question as they proceeded through the line: “What should I say to the family?”
What can you say to grieving parents, family members and friends at a time like this?
In times like these, there usually are no words, which can fully bring comfort to devastated people in the initial shock of their loss. They are hurting. They are hurting with a pain whose depths most of us can never imagine.
When there aren’t words to say – say nothing if there’s nothing to say – just be there.
Of course, you’ll speak. So, tell them you’re sorry, but don’t try to make explanations. Don’t try to give them a why. Don’t try to have fancy words of wisdom.
Give them a hug – and hold them until they let go.
Cry with them – and assure them you care.
Pray for them – and do this continually after you leave their presence.
When there aren’t words to say – just be a friend.
I’m reminded of the great sufferer Job. When he had lost literally everything he had – his wealth, his family, his health – and the respect of his wife – his friends came. And, they sat with him for seven days and said nothing.
Sometimes your presence is the greater gift in times where there are no words.
In fact, when someone you love is hurting, the presence of a friend in those initial days of grief may be more valuable than the words of a counselor, or pastor, or any other professional.
Words will come in days to come – and, then you may need the professionals to help you say the right things, but initially, just be present.
