29
Talk of Arizona
Fa;ll 2015
Penultimate Page
Say, 'Sorry for your loss'
The kid meant well.
My father and father-in-law had passed away within a few weeks of each other, and a young man who worked for me wanted to express his sympathies.
“I guess it’s good that your both you fathers went at same time so you two are going through it at the same time.”
Huh?
My mother-law and mother died this year, and I was reminded that some young people don’t know the right words in these situations. I think many are searching for something profound that will somehow help. But no words will.
Here’s a quick etiquette lesson. Say, “Sorry for your loss.”
That’s it.
If you knew the person well, you can say something like, “Your mom was a great hostess.” Or “Your dad told the funniest stories.”
That’s it.
—Tom Gibbons