what are "condolences", and y r they offered???
353662
"Respect"\n\nRev. Steven\n\n  "My condolences to you on your Loss"
112513
It depends on who you're offering it to. Sometimes, it is best to just say you're there for them and listen. Sometimes a good ear is what they need. And sometimes too many "i'm sorry for your loss"es can be too much. Just offer your support.
182425
You give them "presence" not presents. Meaning.......you are there for them in all ways, in all capacities. You offer shelter, food, provisions and comfort. Perhaps they take none of these......perhaps they take all. But your presence there for them.......the fact they know they have someone to rely on, to fall back on in this time of need is the greatest comfort you could ever give them.
797575
Hi there,\nI am sure that God is displeased at our state of social disregard for one-another, especially when he has benevolently blessed this country with a bounty of plenty.\n\nI would like to suggest an observation that all of us may participate in...\nThe observation is this, look around you this holiday and make a mental note of things that are wasted and ask your selves....\nWho could I benefit by sharing my blessings....\n\nThe meaning of "Thanks Giving" is to have gratitude and to share.\nI myself really have few resources however, I plan to try and make some-ones day by offering of my caring...\n\nI look for no reward other than a smile...\nMay all of " Yahoo Answers " participants have a wonderful time and holiday...
275430
There's nothing you can say that will really make your friend feel better so - just LISTEN.  \n\nJust being there with someone in mourning makes a huge difference.
305275
I am feeling for you today - I lost two people, unrelated back to back last Wed and Thursday..its been brutal its been one of the worse weeks of my entire life and I too am feeling..have I done enough?? And yes..I have...\n\nAll you can do is be there for him. Talk to him, or dont talk when he doesn't want to. You can call him and ask how he is doing, you can take him to dinner and take his mind off of it and give him a sense of normalcy and a few minutes of a reprieve from the sadness, you can bake a lasagna and bring it to his house so he doesn't have to worry about cooking..\n\nBut believe me - your friendship is enough. that you are caring and going through it with him..\n\nMy friend who lost his in utero baby at 5 months said to me..We are on the first rung of the grieving ladder - at the very top..and you are right behind us on the second..\n\ndamn straight I am..I'm holding their legs and keeping them steady on the first rung and will catch them if they go to fall...as will you with your friend.\n\nJust be there..its enough. take care and hang in there.
559063
i am so sorry:(, i dont know anything to tell you except be there for them, tell them they can call you anytime to talk, or if they need some time away, they are always welcomed at your home, and pray for them. GOD BLESS.
705760
What a sad thing. I will certainly pray for them. Oh Sacred Heart of my Dear Jesus, who did agree to suffer most horribly and die for our sins, please look upon this situation with a poor man who was driven to desperation from pain you yourself know all about and apply that one great cry of "Father they know not what they do" to this poor man and his family. Comfort them and bring them the grace they need to be compliant with your Holy will in this and in all things. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
78888
I think one of the most appreciated ways to comfort a grieving person is to tell them how the deceased had touched your life, such as a short story or a character quality about the person. And then close by telling them that you are sorry for their loss and that s/he will be in your thoughts and prayers.\n\nKnowing their loved one was important to others is like salve to a wound.
798914
I once helped a friend and her 19 year old daughter out when they became homeless.  They were living in their car.  During this period I paid their car insurance, fed them,  loaned them money and let them spend the night a few times.\n\nI asked them to Thanksgiving Dinner, they came, they ate, they stayed 5 weeks.  When they left they never said a word of thanks \nNot one single word................\n\nI stood in the driveway waving bye........3 months later they asked to stay with me again?  My responce was, I can give you a couple bucks but I really don't want house guests right now.\n\nI think I would have agreed, if they had at least said "thanks" for all the help I had given before. Doing favors and helping out  friends is just something you do.  But I think the level of kindness becomes burdensome without appreciation.
428442
first and foremost, my condolences to you.. \n\nhere is a article about what you should know about bereavement fairs...\n\nI hope this helps a bit...
186261
Probably something along the lines of, "Thank You, Jesus, for sacrificing Yourself so that I could be saved!"
885661
A few of the above suggestions are excellent!\nHowever, my favorite passage by far to comfort believers who have lost a loved one is this:\n\n1 Thessalonians 4:13-18\n13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. \n14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.\n15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. \n16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. \n17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. \n18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.\n\n= \nI like it all the more, as even the last verse in this scripture exhorts us to use those very words for the purpose you are asking!\n\nBut I also love the John 11:25, Romans 8, and Revelation 21 verses given by other people who have answered.\n\nMay God be with you as you comfort others with your words, even with His words.
1151704
There is a great sadness. That is why I speak to those who have ears to hear. Those that don't hear, go on with their life, babbling, and clanging like cymbals and gongs. It is not wise to wake a giant, a pig, or a sleeping dog...\n\nLet the dead bury the dead, and may they rest in peace...\n\nBut still, it's sad, people digging their own graves...
826599
Dear, dear friends, who feel like a real family, I wish to express my deepest and sincerest appreciation for you being here for me during the last two years and making my life a most memorable, comfortable, and happiest time of my life.\n  As a result of your kindnesses, I hope to make someone else, some day,  feel as Special as you have made me feel.\n  As I leave you shortly, remember you'll always have a place in my heart, and I hope that we might stay in contact during the years to follow.  Thus, let us exchange addresses now to prepare for the happiness that we pray will be the content of our letters.
354321
Sad. The God I know is all about the love, baby. \nHave a great day!
522368
*sigh*\n\nYou try to say something nice...