She called this morning. We both knew it was inevitable, but that certainly didn't make it any easier. "He died at 3A.M. this morning. He's with the angels now. They're taking good care of him, I'm sure," she said.

Katie was talking about her 9yr. old grandson Brandon, who was suffering from a rare genetic illness. He had been diagnosed at the age of 2, and his little body deteriorated very quickly. He was totally bedridden, the last couple of years. Katie was one of his primary caregivers.

"I'm so sorry", I said to Katie, and then I just listened. She needed to talk, and I allowed her the privilege to do that. Her voice cracked at times, but I knew she just wanted to talk about Brandon. It seemed to make her feel better to know that someone was there to listen to her talk about her precious grandson.

When she was done talking and ready to hang up the phone, I told her again, how sorry I was, and asked her if there was anything I could do. She said, "no there isn't anything right now". After hanging up the phone, I went to my bedroom and closed the door and knelt down and said a prayer for Katie and her family. Brandon was in God's hands now. He was being taken care of. The family that was left behind, were the ones that the needed comfort and prayers.

Later today I will make up a hotdish and take it over to her. If she wants me to, I will sit down and have a cup of tea with her. If she's too overwhelmed, I will give her a big hug and leave her alone.

Tomorrow I will call the florist and have a small bouquet of flowers delivered to Katie. They won't be funeral flowers, they will be "Katie flowers", just for her, to let her know how much I care. My friend needs to know I care. She needs to know I will be there for her, day or night, whenever she needs a shoulder to cry on. Next week, next month, or whenever she feels up to it, we will go out to lunch.

This is what I will do for Katie, my friend who is grieving today. I will be the ear who listens to her. I will try and reassure her, that through thick and thin, she can always count on me.

I will try and convince her that the sun will shine again in her world, and those dark clouds will pass.

I will ask the good lord to send peace and comfort to this grieving family. I trust he will do that, as he has answered my prayers countless times.

The best way to support a grieving friend is to let them know you care, and you're there for them, and then just listen. Let them talk about their loss, if they so desire.

Learn more about this author, Shirley Norling.
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