re: Friends son just passed away in a car accident

Much good advice already. I’ll add a few things I came to understand after my wife died.

Don’t ask, just do. I was overwhelmed with people asking what they can do. It becomes another problem to deal with. Go ahead and send the food, mow the yard, buy the gift certificate for a dinner out for him and his wife. If they don’t want it they can just trash it, but they decide on their time.

Don’t stay away because you think “he needs space”. A loved one dying is incredibly isolating as it is. This becomes more important 60 days after the death when the rest of the world has moved on. Mark on your calendar that day a show up with a six pack.

Grief is a powerful and exhausting and surprising emotion. He will feel things he’s never felt. If you are close enough, encourage him to get help from grief counselors.