Need Advice from those who have Lost a Parent...

One of my BM's and closest friends lost her father very suddenly last week. I was hoping to get some advice on what I can do to help her through this difficult time...I would really like to know what, if anything, made people feel better when they lost a parent.

I feel so useless, but want to help her any way I can...also we live in 2 different states, so I can't just drop in to see her...

TIA!!!!

I'm sorry I have no words of wisdom, but I do feel fo ryou, and of course the loss your friend is expereincing!

One of my best friends lost her mom very suddenly a few years back and I just didn't know what to do for her. I just let her know that I'd be there for whatever she needed and that I was praying for her family. It was a really difficult time, but their family and firends are very close to one another, and i think that helped them pull through.

Call her right away and often. My mom died when I was 8 andd my Dad had a massive stroke when I was 27... 5 months in a full time rehab center.

Also, offer to run errands (dry cleaners, grocery store, post office) or better yet accompany her on hers. Cook a meal and bring it over, that was the last thing I had energy for.

If she wants to talk great (I'm a talker and I still talk about my Dad a lot) but if she isn't she isn't. Be prepared, she may want to tell non-stop stories about her dad and a lot of things might remind her of him... even little things.

Actually, every one is there right away (first few weeks/months) butt then people start to disappear and forget. Please be there for her.

Oh, also find out when her Dad's birthday and anniversary, etc. is and call her on those days... those days are rough.

UGH... I know what this is like... to your friend.

Thanks for all the advice girls...I was down in her area for the wake and the funeral and I will be heading down her way next weekend...it is just such an awkward, terrible thing....