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Print Advice - Terminal Disease
What do I say to a friend who has been diagnosed with a terminal disease?
Always call and make some connection. "I just heard . . . and I'm sorry this has happened! Is there anything I can do?" Then stop talking - let the other person talk, yell, scream, get angry, etc. Remember, this is not about you - the feelings have to find a place to express themselves and you are there. This is the most important gift you can give that friend - let her/him express their feelings.
Let go of your own guilt feelings about past experiences of grief and remember this person's grief is not about you - hear them out.
If the other person doesn't want to talk, it's because they don't trust you enough.
Ask the person for lunch or drop by with a card or drop an encouragement card in the mail.
But, always call. Someone else may be answering the phones, but leave your message so the person will know you called.
Dr. Muriel
Dr. Muriel Larson, author of many books and thousands of published writings and songs, is a professional Christian writer, counselor and speaker, and has taught at writers' conferences across the United States. She serves as an E-Mail counselor with Truthmedia. Her web site, "Advice From God's Word," lists many helpful articles alphabetically by their descriptive titles: http://advicedrmuriel.blogspot.com
