Honoring A Life Lost

 Missy Ball, RN – Lyme Parish Nurse

Posted: 2/7/24

At some point in our lives we will undoubtedly be confronted with the passing of a person connected  to us either directly or indirectly.

A person that lived and breathed, just like us. This person could have been a relative, a close friend’s child, or an elderly neighbor’s spouse.  The passing may be expected, or sudden and traumatic.

Those that are bereaved will grieve in their own unique way over their own course of time, honoring a life now only in memory.

Many of us might not know what to say to someone who is mourning. It is important to console and not judge. Be supportive without offering advice trying to fix the situation. Even in one’s attempt to offer comfort, the words may come out wrong.

Sympathy Phrases to Avoid:

  • It’s for the best
  • It was time for him to go
  • She lived a good long life and is with God now
  • There is a reason for everything
  • Time heals all wounds
  • I know how you feel

The most important thing one can do is to simply be there. Acknowledge the pain of the one who is mourning with a genuine hug.  Sometimes we can say things best by saying nothing at all.

The most important thing one can do is to simply be there.

Missy Ball, RN Lyme Parish Nurse

Every Wednesday, CommunityCare of Lyme lifts up a wellness topic, embracing the widest possible definition of individual and community well-being. We include local and national resources, individual and group programs and practices, and personal stories, videos, or songs that have something to teach us all. We are always seeking guest contributors! 

If you have a wellness-themed topic you would like to share or learn more about, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org

Shelby Wood
Manager of Volunteer Participation
CommunityCare of Lyme
Shelby@cclyme.org
802-468-7776 (cell)
603-795-0603 (CCL office and help line)