BillH: Just Love Them

BillH (in response to question: What is the best things you can do to help a friend of loved one fight through cancer and cancer treatments?): My wife is partway through radiation treatment now, and if we asked her I think she would tell you that encouragement to “stay positive” is probably pretty low on the list. Be honest. Care. Really talk and really listen. Cancer is scary, personal, and can be very lonely. It is also a rollercoaster of emotions, so have some grace. And for every story you want to tell about a friend or a family member who “won the battle”, just know that she’s heard two other stories of women who haven’t. She’s in the hospital every day and she has eyes to see what this disease can mean. Just love her.

Question: Why do people say dumb things to others who are suffering physically or grieving?