This past week, I visited a woman who, over the years in supporting her through multiple health issues, had become very dear to me.  This visit, though, was to say goodbye.  Throughout this last battle, her family was by her side, particularly her daughters, as they were when I arrived.

I caught up with one of them on my way in to the hospital and as we stood in the hallway, another small group of visitors stood nearby. It sounded like they had just left the ICU after visiting their critically ill loved one who had died.  I heard one of them say "Life goes on, you know, life goes on" in response to another comment.  As I finished my conversation and hugged the daughter, I kept hearing "life goes on" in my head. 

Yes, patients die every day in hospitals, nursing facilities and private homes from a multitude of diseases and for a multitude of reasons.  And the circle of life does continue.  But at the tender moments of trying to comfort someone when they are hurting, "Life goes on" may not be what you want to say.   

This issue of The Flame makes a few suggestions for what to say and what NOT to say when you're talking with someone who's recently lost a loved one.