What Can I Do for My Friend/extended Family Member Who Is Missing Her Mom?

Updated on June 22, 2012
X.O. asks from Naperville, IL
7 answers

My friend, who also happens to be a cousin through marriage, lost her mother this spring. They were incredibly close, and her mom was her rock. My friend has not had an easy life, with many health problems of her own, as well as financial and relationship problems. She is really such a sweetheart, and she just recently became my husband's patient. She saw him today and then called me but I missed her call. I sent her a FB msg to ask how she was and she basically replied "I'm a mess. I miss my mom so much I honestly don't know how I am going to make it." Now, I don't know if she has a history of depression, and obviously I can't ask my husband for any details of their visit. I just want to know what I can say or do to help her. I am NOT good with words when put on the spot, and I really don't know what she needs right now. Any ideas?

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S.A.

answers from Milwaukee on

Hi. I lost my mom 6yrs ago and there are days where I'm still a mess. I would say just be there for her, whether it is just to listen to her feelings, or sit with her so she's not alone. After I lost my mom, I lost alot of people in my life because they just stopped contacting me because they didn't know what to say or do and that was very hard and then I guess they all thought it was up to me to get ahold of them again. So i guess, if she doesn't feel like talking or doing things right now, it's part of her grieving process and everyone goes through it differently. I think the absolute worst thing you can ever say to someone who is grieving is, I know what you're going through. I think every single person on this earth has unique relationships with everyone in their lives and although people can relate to things you're going through, they never will fully understand. Just keep checking in on her. Life will definitely never be the same. I'm still adjusting. Good luck in helping your friend!

3 moms found this helpful
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L.P.

answers from Dallas on

Ask her what she needs. She knows better than anyone else.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.V.

answers from Las Vegas on

Just be there for her. She will reach out to you and let you know if she needs anything at all. Let her know that you are here for her no matter what.

2 moms found this helpful
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A.M.

answers from Dallas on

You are a good friend. Keep in touch with her, call her often even if she doesn't pick up, leave her lots of voicemails texts etc. Ask her to do things often and just be honest and tell her that you know she is hurting. Thats all she needs. If she won't accept your invites, ask for her help to corral the kids somewhere! Good luck

Ps - if she is seeing your husband as a DR or therapist, then she may be shy to b around you. Make it clear up front that you and hubby do not share info so that she feels comfy

2 moms found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from Amarillo on

There is not too much you can really say or do right now. The loss is still very new and raw and she is in a state of grief. As you know all time heals or forms a scar over the wound.

I lost my mom at 9 and there are days that I miss her and it has been a long time back. I still see her in my mind and not so in my dreams. But the memories fade away.

Be there for her and let her talk and do things together when when she is up to it.

The other S.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Encourage her to tap into her spirituality. I found after my dad died that I can still feel close to him through spirituality. I see things that I know he has put in front of me and I thank him for it. I talk to him; I talk to my grandmother spiritually. I feel them walking with me and they fill my heart.

Spirituality is a great comfort!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.L.

answers from Dallas on

Like the others said, just be there for whatever she needs. She may need to cry on your shoulder, she may need someone to vent to, or someone to help her laugh off the tears. I know those are what I needed when I lost my mom 12 years ago. There are still bad days, especially around the holidays, mothers day and her birthday but knowing you have a friend that is there for you know matter the day or time is a real comfort and can help get you through.

1 mom found this helpful
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