DEATH

DYING

WHAT IS DEATH?
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO DIE?
WHERE DOES FAITH COME IN?

WHAT IS DEATH? Death is a part of living. It is the end of earthly existence as we know it, but also a transition to spiritual existance. We may die alone, but our death affects other people.
	WHAT IS IT LIKE TO DIE? `We do know some about it. Near Death Experiences are now common, and they give us some information about Death.`
WHERE DOES FAITH COME IN? `There is something in us that stubbornly refuses to accept death as extinction. There is an almost universal conviction that humanity is made for "something more". The world's great faiths tell us that we shall only lose the shell of a body, with our spirit living forever.`

True comfort is not pity.

Your role is to assure the bereaved that he/she is not alone, the greatest fear of all of us.

Be a good listener. Let him/her "talk it out".

Let him/her weep; grief is normal and healthy.

Don't pretend that nothing has changed. You and he/she both know that it has, only he is reluctant to admit it.

If you see a need, take care of it. Transportation, laundry, errands, baby-sitting, messages, phone calls, etc., may be overlooked.

Spread your offers of help and encouragement over days to come.