Has someone important to you passed away? What was the most comforting/most respectful thing anyone said to you when that happened? I work with the elderly, who die at an accelerated rate. 98% of the time, I genuinely care about the deceased and would like to give comfort to the surviving family. Since this comes up a lot, I feel as if I'm repeating the same phrases over and over. I need more options. I'm specifically asking for things people said
to you that were kind.
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posted by Lately Gone
on Mar 21, 2013 -
79 answers
At present, what is the most environmentally friendly way to deal with a human body after they die?
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posted by raztaj
on May 31, 2012 -
30 answers
My father unexpectedly passed away last weekend from a heart attack. I am not religious. Part of my family, and most of our community of friends & extended family, are. Help me navigate the religious talk without either going on the defensive, or being complacent.
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posted by raztaj
on Jul 20, 2011 -
8 answers
Philosophical approaches to death and dying. I am prepping a college course; looking for great readings on philosophical questions about death, but also: world religious/cultural traditions about dying/funerals/mourning/afterlife, how people in death-related jobs see their work (undertakers, hospice workers, doctors, chaplains, military/police...), writings of people who have terminal illnesses, psychological research on preparation for dying, etc.
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posted by LobsterMitten
on Dec 14, 2010 -
51 answers
This question is morbid, but I've always wanted the answer. How on earth do funeral parlors (especially those that do cremation) operate in neighborhoods or right next to them without smelling horrible?
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posted by mathowie
on Dec 17, 2007 -
15 answers
A (work) friend's husband was recently killed in an accident. What is the protocol for sending cards, flowers, letters, etc., to the surviving family?
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posted by Rad_Boy
on Nov 18, 2007 -
12 answers