what can you say to a terminally ill friend?
184392
Do say – “It's good to see you.” Let them know you have been thinking of them. At a loss for words – It's okay to say, “Mary, I don't know what to say or do, but I am here and I care about you.” Listen – If the person talks about being anxious, listen quietly. Don't try to change the subject or silence the person.
174262
['1) “Talk to me about it.” It helps to offer a lending ear to someone who wants to chat. ... ', "2) “It's okay to be sad.” ... ", "3) “I'm here with you.” ... ", "4) “I'm here to listen.” ... ", "5) “Let's solve this together.” ... ", '6) “Call me when you want to talk.” ... ', '7) “The same thing has happened to me.” ... ', "8) “Don't be afraid to seek help.”"]
235104
['Can I help by doing x y or z? ... ', 'This is a temporary-yet-painful situation. ... ', 'It IS hard to imagine a way out of this mess. ... ', "I'm here to listen whenever you need me. ... ", "I'm so glad we're friends. ... ", "I'm sorry you have to go through this."]
936531
If you can't think of something to say, just offer eye contact, a squeeze of the hand, or a reassuring hug. Offer your support. Ask what you can do for the grieving person. Offer to help with a specific task, such as helping with funeral arrangements, or just be there to hang out with or as a shoulder to cry on.
169893
["Even though I feel sorry for your loss today, I also remember your birthday is today. I pray your pain eases as you appreciate God's loving gift of life today. ... ", 'So sorry for your pain and grief. ... ', 'Sometimes people we love go ahead to heaven to prepare a nice apartment for us there.']
1000722
['I Love You. ... ', "You're Not Alone. ... ", 'Everyone Needs Help Sometimes. ... ', 'How Are You Feeling? ... ', 'How Can I Help? ... ', "Let's Hang Out. ... ", "I'm Proud of You. ... ", "I Know You Are Struggling, But There's Always Hope."]
325332
["“I hate that you're going through this, but I know that you've got this.” People want to know their friends don't just like them but admire them as well. ... ", "“You've got a lot on your plate. ... ", '“Remember when you were there for me? ... ', "“You're my best friend."]
905923
Choose positive, hopeful words, but don't give people false hope or talk about other people's cancer outcomes. Remember, each person is different, and hearing other people's stories may scare your friend or loved one. Just say something.
972585
["I'm sorry you are going through this tough time. ... ", 'I think about you all the time. ... ', "I'm praying for you. ... ", "You're so strong to go through all this. ... ", 'You have a great team of people behind you! ... ', 'I love you! ... ', "I'm going to bring you a _____."]
652621
['"I love you so much."', '"Thank you for teaching me...."', '"I will never forget when...."', '"My favorite memory we share....."', '"I\'m sorry for....."', '"I hope you\'ll forgive me for....."', '"It sounds like you\'re seeing...."', '"It sounds like you\'re hearing...."']
130706
['“We are so sorry for your loss.”', "“I'm going to miss her, too.”", '“I hope you feel surrounded by much love.”', '“Sharing in your sadness as you remember Dan.”', '“Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. ... ', '“With deepest sympathy as you remember Robert.”', '“I was saddened to hear that your grandfather passed away.']
1324632
["Be simple: “I'm sorry for your loss.”", "Be honest: “I don't know what to say. I can't imagine what you're going through.”", 'Be comforting: “I care about you and your family. Please tell me what I can do to help.”']
130712
['I am so sorry. ... ', 'He was a wonderful man and a talented musician.', 'Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.', 'I have such fond memories of your aunt. ... ', "When you're ready to talk, please feel free to call me."]
109674
What you can say instead: “You have my deepest sympathy,” “I'm so saddened to hear about your loss,” “My deepest condolences,” or “My thoughts and prayers are with you.” Just let them know that you care about them and their grief instead of offering empty placations about losing the man they loved.
90004
["13. ”I'm here for you.” ... ", '“You are so strong.” ... ', '“Today was a really tough day.” ... ', "“I've been thinking of you.” ... ", "“I'm only a phone call away.” ... ", '“I have no words to express my sadness.”']
802867
["Look for openings. A sermon or song you heard, a book you read, or the way someone else's illness and death unfolded can be an opportunity for remarks that open the door. ... ", 'Broach the topic gently. ... ', 'Seek spiritual counsel. ... ', 'Ask advice about hospice. ... ', 'Ask a doctor to help. ... ', 'Let it go.']
409975
['“Thank you.” ... ', '“Thank you for coming.” ... ', '“I appreciate that.” ... ', '“I was lucky to be able to share my life with him/her.” ... ', '“Thank you. ... ', '“Thank you for all your support during these difficult months.” ... ', '“Thank you for reaching out to me. ... ', '“Thank you.']