The one who is dying wants to know they’re not alone. It’s up to you to tell them in as many ways as you can. (Even a loved one who is deteriorating may not know what is happening.)

Companionship matters more than what you do.

Help the person create a way to be remembered—perhaps by taping a video of the person telling favorite stories, or sharing values and hopes in a letter to a loved one such as a grandchild.

Tell the person you will miss him or her.

Express your love.

Talk about the fun you’ve had together and what that has meant to you.

Melanie Hack
Author of Who Killed My Sister, My friend
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TV Shows and Clips about the Death of Cindy James