I've been told that it's not uncommon for friends to either ignore or drop you after you've been through the process of death/dying of a loved one. Good or bad, sometimes people just can't deal with that type of situation. However I've had 2 friends in recent months go off on me, tell me that I'm a terrible person, and that I'd said/done something that offended me so much that they don't want to be my friend anymore. Both accusations took me by surprise and I'm now wondering, did they wait to say anything to me until after my loved one passed? [more inside]
posted by green_flash on Nov 23, 2009 - 15 answers

My mom died when I was in college. Though she was in some sense a single parent to me and we were extremely close, I barely shed a tear about it since she died over six years ago. This past weekend, I'm not exactly sure why, but the dam finally broke and I've been overwhelmed with a tidal wave of sadness for the past couple of days that shows no signs of flowing back out. I have a couple of questions for you. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 29, 2008 - 13 answers

[Novel Filter] If you are a soldier in active combat and a family member back home dies, what is the military's policy for supporting you while you come to terms with this personal loss? [more inside]
posted by ilikecookies on Sep 6, 2008 - 9 answers

In the (possibly very) near future I will want to fly from the UK to the US for a relative's funeral. Can you help me find the lowest fare? [more inside]
posted by K.P. on Jul 8, 2008 - 7 answers

My parents are both well into their eighties now with health failing just a little bit more each year. How do I prepare myself for their eventual death? [more inside]
posted by netbros on May 28, 2008 - 11 answers

The new normal sucks. How am I supposed to cope after my father's suddenish death? [more inside]
posted by bash on May 19, 2008 - 29 answers

My siblings and I are trying to find kinds of therapy for my dad, in dealing with the death of our mom/his spouse 17 years ago. He's still very very emotional about any discussion of her, and has never talked to a "professional" about it. Ideas suggestions for types of therapy, and recommendations in the Washington DC area. [more inside]
posted by jalebi on Mar 29, 2008 - 7 answers

I need to send a basket of goodies for a bereavement in North Carolina. Said basket needs to be delivered (between Greensboro and Chapel Hill). Anyone have recommendations? [more inside]
posted by 6:1 on Mar 2, 2008 - 8 answers

One of my good friends died a few days ago. Can you recommend some suitable works of literature (fiction, essay, poetry, etc.) to help me along? [more inside]
posted by Vic Morrow's Personal Vietnam on Sep 11, 2007 - 24 answers

I don't know whether it's time to put my dog down or not. Long, rambling, a few gross details - but your help appreciated. [more inside]
posted by Quidam on Aug 31, 2007 - 15 answers

What can I send to a (female) friend who's 1500 miles away and whose father has just died? I'm of course talking to her on the phone, but I'd like to send her something that's not flowers.
posted by biscotti on Mar 9, 2007 - 21 answers

[EtiquetteFilter] My mother and stepfather divorced about 8 months ago. They had been together for 28 years. I have not heard from him since the split, and (due to the nature of the split) don't have that much interest in doing so. Now, his mother -- my former step-grandmother -- is dying. [more inside]
posted by kaseijin on Sep 8, 2006 - 35 answers

Help me do something nice for somebody whose beloved dog is dying. [more inside]
posted by kaseijin on Jul 31, 2006 - 31 answers

My father passed away from a rare cancer last week. I'd like to send my mother regular "care packages" to ease her through this transition and let her know I'm thinking of her. [more inside]
posted by Sangre Azul on Mar 8, 2005 - 9 answers

BereavementFilter: Etiquettement dilemma about opening/agitating mourning versus sharing in a small life-afirming-recollection-of-the-deceased, er, something (the [+] might make more sense, sorry) [more inside]
posted by PurplePorpoise on Jan 9, 2005 - 11 answers

I work for a funeral home and I'm looking for a book that will help people with the bereavement process. It should be easily available and fairly inexpensive (these are coming out of my own pocket--I just want something that I can give people who are having an especially hard time dealing with their loss). Most "self-help" books that I've looked at are too clinical and dull. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by ColdChef on Dec 19, 2004 - 8 answers