When Rev. Emily C. Heath served as a chaplain in the emergency department of a children’s hospital with a level one trauma center, she saw countless senseless tragedies, and came to recognize how difficult it is for people to find appropriate words of comfort.
Based on her experience, she offers her advice (Huffiington Post, 12.14.2012) regarding five things NOT to say, and five things she has found helpful to say, to grieving family and friends. I would add that most of these suggestions are applicable to ALL grieving people, and not just to parents grieving the loss of their children.