Talking to people who are in mourning.

Do you find it difficult to express condolences or to come up with inspirational words to people who are in mourning?

Yes, I do. For the most part, I just try to listen and be there for them.

Yeah because there's really nothing you actually can say. You just have to try to not say the wrong thing. But there are no real word of comfort. It's better just to be there for them.

I don't even try, I just offer my condolences and ask is there anything I can do for them. They may not have an answer but the gesture won't go unnoticed, many people just want their pain to be acknowledged. Or just drop off something that will keep well with a note, like spaghetti or a nice hearty soup, since they might forget about simple things like eating.

I tend to have an easy time when the mourning is for the loss of a child, because I have been there myself. These I handle real well.

But my brother still heavily mourns his wife two years later and it gets harder and harder to say anything or even listen. I get guilty about it, but I think he's burned out a lot of people with his grief. But he has friends and continues on.

It is really hard. Especially right at the wake or funeral. Because you know they are so sick of making pleasantries with everyone.