Question:
Hey all, I have a good female friend whose mother has terminal cancer. She was diagnosed over a year ago and is past her 'life expectancy' but it's looking like she for sure won't make it to the end of the year. As for background, this friend and I have only known each other for about 6months but dating could well be in our future. Both my friend and her mother are christians. I was wondering how in the world you help someone who is about to or has lost their parent at such an age? I know there's nothing you can do to make it all better but what would be the best ways to help from those who have been on either side of the fence? Any advice is appreciated.
Answer:
Just be there for her..Listen to her. Comfort her..Most of all keep her looking to Jesus.
Don't forget to pray. For her and the family.
Answer:
Yah, just be there. Literally, just sit with her and listen if she wants to talk. Try to avoid saying things like "I know how you must feel" because you don't. Let her grieve. Don't try to cheer her up or make her feel better until she's ready. (Unless she actually starts to get depressed; that's a different story.)
While your friend will carry her mother's death with her for the rest of her life, most of her friends will forget about it within a year or so. For everyone else, life will be "back to normal." Most of her friends will think to ask her how she's doing for about a month or two after her mom dies, but not many will keep asking. Chances are, your friend would appreciate it if you ask her how she's handling her mom's death, say a year after it happens. That's assuming you two are still friends, but it sounds like you might still be friends (if not more).
Answer:
first of all, develop a good strong foundation of friendship before you date.
and for someone who's mother is about to die, there really isn't much you can do except to comfort her and turn her toward Christ. i'll be praying.