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My best friend's wife passed away today.

I really suck at being there during such emotional times. Please help. I want him to feel I'm there for him.
Mamapolo2016 · F Best Comment
Mostly just be there. Look out for him - make sure he's eating, sleeping, breathing. Listen if he wants to talk but don't force it.

Your caring presence is what matters. It will matter more in a couple of days when the funeral is over and everybody else has gone back to their lives.
@quasar Be alert for things he needs to do, but just can't get it together. Phone calls, picking up takeout, warming the casseroles people brought.
quasar · 36-40, M
@Mamapolo2016 he got two daughters aged 5yrs and one 3 months old. I'm so scared.
@quasar So is he. Be scared with him.

LadyJ · F
Aww I'm So sorry ..just let him know your there for him..listen to him if he needs to talk and offer support
Your presence is very important.A heartfelt hug ,and just being there in that moment of grief is priceless .Be there for him physically.
quasar · 36-40, M
@Caleidoscope I am going to spend my whole day tomorrow with him and I will make sure how he won't feel alone taking care of his children. His second girl is just 3 months old. Idk how he will manage her without a mother.
@quasar That's indeed tragic .I hope you can strengthen him mentally and both of you can transition from this pain smoothly.
SinlessOnslaught · 26-30, M
Tell him exactly what you just told us. You suck at being there but you want him to feel that you're there for him. Maybe he'll give you feedback.
bring food. nothing says I care more than showing up with food
TexChik · F
@saragoodtimes bring some food . You don’t have to cook . Sam’s or Costco have stuff ready up eat after it’s heated up . Help pick up around the house while people are there , do some dishes , clean out his fridge so all the left over food can be put away . He’s going to be crushed and spending time with his immediate family , but he will know you were there. He’s your best friend .
@TexChik even a tray of cold cuts and rolls is fine. most markets will make one up in a short time for a special occasion
TexChik · F
@saragoodtimes mom was always very clear about what to do in these situations . She would call everybody and they would all pick a dish . She usually fried chicken or made a cake . And they cleaned up the house. If the person died in bed they changed the sheets , did the bath rooms and made the place look presentable
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smiler2012 · 56-60
{quasar] sorry to hear that . difficult times for your friend but you are there to help him to get through the hard times . he will be dazed and confused and may act out of character but you can understand the reason
This is so sad.

Almost 2 years ago my friend died, leaving behind 2 kids.

The husband has little family support because of location but I live very close to them.

He tends to do ok with food, he likes to cook, but he does need help with childcare. I do a lot of that. The kids know they have a safe place with me....and he knows that he can go fir a run, or even veg out on the sofa after work for an hour.

The husband, now does see me as a friend, I realised if I sent him a text asking him how he was he would not reply, but if I sent jokes or memes or actually texted about something we would have a conversation.

Also he would refuse offers of coffee,meet ups but if I turned up on his doorstep he would stick the kettle on and would open up.

All of this happened during covid and lockdowns, we became his support bubble and he knows we all are there for his family unit.

In terms of words, there are no right ones. It is the gestures that count. Be present for him and the kids.
SW-User
The best thing to do is let him be sad , dont try to give advice or anything just listen to him when he needs you and don’t try to cheer him up , just let him be sad around you. ❤️❤️
brian29715 · 46-50, M
Sorry for the loss.

Along with food, I’ve found paper plates, toilet paper, aluminum foil and other stuff is very much appreciated.
quasar · 36-40, M
@brian29715 I'm gonna keep that in my mind tomorrow.
uncalled4 · 56-60, M
Just be available. There's nothing else to do except tell him you are there for him.

 
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