what to say when a person is dying?
58312
["Don't say, “It's going to be OK” ... ", 'But do say something. ... ', "Do make clear that you'll be there for them. ... ", "Do be careful about saying, “I'll pray for you” ... ", 'Do try to create a semblance of normalcy. ... ', "Do ask how they're doing — today. ... ", 'Do be a good listener. ... ', "Don't get squirmy at the end."]
193197
['A Time for Everything.', 'Comforting All Who Mourn. My eyes fail with longing for Your word, While I say, “When will You comfort me?” ~ Psalm 119:82. ... ', 'Honoring Their Sacrifice. Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained. ... ', "Strengthening Those in Harm's Way. Have I not commanded you?"]
1203112
['“ My deepest sympathies go out to you, my friend. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time. ... ', '“I heard the news, my friend. ... ', "“I was deeply saddened to hear about your brother's passing. ... ", "“I'm sorry for your loss. ... ", "“I'm so sorry to hear this sad news."]
1421406
Say SOMETHING Acknowledge your friend's grief. Mention their loved one's name, and let your friend know that you're thinking of both of them. It could be as simple as a text that says, “Hey, I know today is one year since [name] died.
794613
There are an incredible number of euphemisms for death that are used in formal situations, like at a funeral, in obituaries, polite conversation and among strangers. These can include passed away, deceased, departed, sleeping, slipped away, resting in peace, at rest, lost one's life and taken one's last breath.
837956
['With heartfelt condolences.', 'We are so sorry for your loss.', 'I hope you feel surrounded by much love. ... ', 'Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. ... ', 'With deepest sympathy as you remember Ashley.', 'Holding you close in our thoughts and hoping you are doing OK.']
624565
['With heartfelt condolences.', 'We are so sorry for your loss.', 'I hope you feel surrounded by much love. ... ', 'Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. ... ', 'With deepest sympathy as you remember Ashley.', 'Holding you close in our thoughts and hoping you are doing OK.', 'It was truly a pleasure knowing Rebecca.']
776594
['"I know you miss your loyal and beautiful companion."', '"It is hard to say goodbye to such a special companion."', '"My thoughts are with you at this time of loss."', '"May fond memories of your beloved pet warm your heart always."', '"(pet\'s name) was a great friend to you and we will miss him."']
895995
Express your concern. For example: “I'm sorry to hear that this happened to you.” Let the bereaved talk about how their loved one died. People who are grieving may need to tell the story over and over again, sometimes in minute detail.
684476
["“I'm not sure exactly what to say, but I want you to know I care.”", '“You are in my thoughts/prayers.”', '“Can I bring you a dinner this week? ... ', '“If you want to talk about him/her, please feel free to call (or text) anytime.”', "“If you need me, I'll be there. ... ", '“My favorite memory with (____) is…”']
358809
['“I\'m so sorry for your loss. I\'m here for you."', '2. “ Remember you are not alone. ... ', '3. “ I\'m thinking of you."', '4. “ I love you so much and I imagine you feel [awful] right now, but I just had to remind you of how wonderful I think you are."', '5. “']
1169847
['When talking about death, use simple, clear words. ... ', 'Listen and comfort. ... ', 'Put emotions into words. ... ', 'Tell your child what to expect. ... ', 'Talk about funerals and rituals. ... ', 'Give your child a role. ... ', 'Help your child remember the person. ... ', 'Respond to emotions with comfort and reassurance.']
1114090
Placing your hand gently on the person's hand, shoulder or head can be a tender way of saying, “I am here. You are not alone.” Continue to talk to the person even when she or he is no longer able to respond to you. The dying person will sense your presence and hear your voice.
403459
['Take your cues from the person with cancer. ... ', 'Show support without words. ... ', 'Choose your words carefully. ... ', 'Practice active listening. ... ', 'Use caution when asking questions. ... ', 'Make sure it is okay to give advice. ... ', 'Be honest about your feelings but do not overburden. ... ', 'Talk about topics other than cancer.']
66646
["This is such a tragedy. I can't imagine how you must be feeling. I'm so sorry you're going through this.", "I can't believe Sam is gone. You must be devastated. I just wanted to say that I'm here for you.", "I'm thinking of you. This is so unexpected and so sad."]
82278
["“I'm sorry.”", "“I'm so sorry for your loss.”", "“I'm sorry to hear the news.”", "“I'm thinking of you.”", "“I'm not sure what to say or do but I am here and I am so sorry.”", "“Please let me know if there's anything you need.”"]
28402
At the end of the day, something as simple as “I'm so sorry for your loss” or “I'm so sad for you and your family, please accept my deepest condolences” is always appropriate. But you might want to offer something a little deeper than that, especially if you are close to the bereaved.