What to say ?
What do you say to someone who has just had a bereavment in the family?
For many " what should I say? " is a problem, and for some its easiest to say nothing and " act normal " and try and over come the embarrassment of not knowing what to say .
When confronted with parents who are grieving the loss of a bably whether it be a pregnancy that was terminated on health grounds, a cot death , or a still birth for example its even harder to deal with. Having spoken to some parents who have been placed in this terrible dilema, almost united they say they only seek acknowledgment and a " sorry to hear the news, our thoughts are with you "would suffice. There is no need to cross over the street, walk the other way etc, just say sorry to hear the news etc,. Thats all many mothers and fathers wish to hear.
Here is a short poem used my some bereavment councillors
What do you say...........................?
What do you say when a baby dies and and someone says........
"At least you didn`t bring it home. "
What do you say when a baby dies and someone says.......
"At least it never lived. "
What do you say when a mother of three says...........
" Think of all the time you`ll have . "
What do you say when so many say.....................
" You can always have another..........."
" At least you never knew it ............."
"You have you whole life ahead of you..............."
" You have an angel in Heaven......"
What do you say when somone says .......Nothing?
What do you say when somone says , " I`m sorry "
You say , with grateful tears and warm embrace,
" Thank you ! "
Kathie Mayo
