what do you say to a terminally ill friend?
184392
Do say – “It's good to see you.” Let them know you have been thinking of them. At a loss for words – It's okay to say, “Mary, I don't know what to say or do, but I am here and I care about you.” Listen – If the person talks about being anxious, listen quietly. Don't try to change the subject or silence the person.
8838
['I am so sorry for your loss.', 'I wish I had the right words, just know I care.', "I don't know how you feel, but I am here to help in any way I can.", 'You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers.', 'My favorite memory of your loved one is…', 'I am always just a phone call away.']
160154
["Tip # 1: Follow the dying person's lead. ... ", 'Tip #2: If possible, be clear that you know the end is nearing. ... ', 'Tip #3: Deal with regrets by saying, “Please forgive me.” ... ', 'Tip #4: Free yourself of hard feelings by saying, “I forgive you.” ... ', "Tip #5: Appreciate the person's legacy by saying, “Thank you.”"]
90004
["13. ”I'm here for you.” ... ", '“You are so strong.” ... ', '“Today was a really tough day.” ... ', "“I've been thinking of you.” ... ", "“I'm only a phone call away.” ... ", '“I have no words to express my sadness.”']
16165
["“I'm not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care.”", "“I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this.”", '“How are you doing?”', "“If you would like to talk about it, I'm here.”", '“Please let me know how I can help.”', "“I'll keep you in my thoughts.”"]
1114090
Placing your hand gently on the person's hand, shoulder or head can be a tender way of saying, “I am here. You are not alone.” Continue to talk to the person even when she or he is no longer able to respond to you. The dying person will sense your presence and hear your voice.
130712
['I am so sorry. ... ', 'He was a wonderful man and a talented musician.', 'Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.', 'I have such fond memories of your aunt. ... ', "When you're ready to talk, please feel free to call me."]
506400
Talk as if they can hear you, even if they appear to be unconscious or restless. If possible, lower lighting until it is soft, or light candles, making sure they burn in a safe place. Try to keep bright sunlight away from the dying person's face and eyes.
325332
["“I hate that you're going through this, but I know that you've got this.” People want to know their friends don't just like them but admire them as well. ... ", "“You've got a lot on your plate. ... ", '“Remember when you were there for me? ... ', "“You're my best friend."]
1075117
['It can be hard to directly express deep feelings to someone else, but now is the time to do it. Tell your friend you love her and will miss her.', 'Sometimes "goodbye" is too hard to say. A hug and a sincere smile will tell your friend everything she needs to know.']
985795
“I feel your pain.” (Do not say, “I know exactly how you feel.”) “How about a hug?” (Or just give them a hug.) “I'm here for you.” (And then be there.) “I'll bring you some lasagna next Tuesday.” (Or offer another specific way of helping.)
1197488
["“I'm so sorry. ... ", "“Thank you so much for the way you're handling this.” ... ", '“Take as much time as you need.” ... ', '“Your grandmother was always so proud of you.” ... ', '“She always had so many nice things to say about you.” ... ', "“I don't know what to say, but I do know how to listen.”"]
19997
["“I'm here for you.”", '“You are in my thoughts and prayers.”', '“This stinks.”', '“Let me help you with…”', 'Tell a joke.', '“You are not alone.”', "“Any time you need to talk, I'll listen.”", '“What day works for a visit?”']
524685
['Ask them how they are feeling. Then, listen non-judgmentally to their response. ... ', 'Show them that you want to understand and express sympathy. ... ', 'Ask how you can support them and resist jumping in to problem-solve. ... ', 'Check in to see if they are suicidal. ... ', 'Reassure them, realistically.']
204723
['What can I do to help?', 'What do you need from me?', 'You are strong. I believe in you.', 'Do you want to meet up?', 'Would you like to talk about it?', 'I understand how you must be feeling. That has to be hard.', "I'm so sorry. ... ", 'How are you feeling?']
47374
So to start off comforting someone, simply describe what you're seeing/sensing. Say something like, “I know you're having such a hard time with this,” or “I'm sorry you're hurting so much.” Also affirm that you hear what they're saying by saying it back to them in your own words.
242983
["“I'm here for you.” Show up for your loved one and remain by their side as they go through this process. ... ", '“You are in my thoughts and prayers.” ... ', '“This stinks.” ... ', '“Let me help you with…” ... ', 'Tell a Joke. ... ', '“You are not alone.” ... ', "“Any time you need to talk, I'll listen.” ... ", '“What day works for a visit?”']