Finding the Right Words

[TrowelTalk]

All Freemasons have experience getting up in front of groups large and small and waxing poetic, but what can one say to a Brother, a Friend, when they are stricken with terrible tragedy, i.e., a death in their immediate family, a diagnosis of terminal cancer, a catastrophic loss of financial security?

I'm as comfortable as a pastor in church when I speak in Lodge or even in my business world, but when it comes to these matters I get all choked up and words fail me.

I'm sure its not easy for anyone, but how can we maximize our comforting words to others when tragedy strikes?

 

[Duncan1574]

I have performed several funerals this year, each was different, each meaningful to the principals.

When I first hear/see/read of tragedy I reach back into my past pain of lost, dwell there momentarily and then try to relate to the grieving person(s), and then say as little as possible.

2 years ago my Dad passed, it was a blessing for him as he had been sad for a decade or more, the military funeral was moving and the volunteers amazing.

 

[Custer148]

I have discovered that sometimes it is the little things you do or say that mean the most to the people involved. A simple "I'm sorry....." or a meaningful shaking of their hand can help in ways you can't imagine. Letting them knowing you care is a good thing.