Additional Insight

Some letters offered additional insight into the feelings and needs of bereaved ones.

“In the four years I have been a widow, I have not heard widows mentioned in prayer. Believe me, now I always include in my prayers the many widows and any who have lost loved ones in death. It is so completely devastating.”

​—L. B., California

“In March my son David died of a massive brain hemorrhage. My doctor gave me tablets to take three times a day​—plus one for sleep at night. Although I know they were given to me in kindness and sympathy, I quickly found myself watching the clock, hoping the next tablet would be due. It was awful, and eventually I confessed to my husband how I felt. On his advice, I put them all into the toilet and flushed them away. The articles in Awake! were of great help to both my family and me. Would you be so kind, at some future date, to write a warning of the dangers of tablets to overcome stress and grief?”

​—I. S., England

“What I liked most about the articles was how they dealt with others and what they should do and perhaps should not do. Many within the congregation had withdrawn from me because of my negative reactions. It was very hard for me and for them too! So I hope the articles will help them to be able to help me now.”

​—R. W., British Columbia

Others Can Help

A number of readers expressed appreciation for the suggestions on how to help those who are bereaved.

“A few weeks ago a good friend’s father died suddenly, unexpectedly, at home. I sent her a card inviting her for a visit. I kept thinking how awkward I would feel if she talked about her father. A few days before her visit, lo and behold, our Awake! came in the mail with the article ‘How Others Can Help.’ I read it several times! As best I could, I did what was suggested. It was a relaxed afternoon, and we talked with ease about her father and things we remembered. We even laughed. Thank you so much for those words at the right time.”

​—K. E., Indiana

Bereaved ones appreciate it when others take some initiative, as shown by this touching letter from a reader whose husband died.

“Many said, ‘If there’s anything I can do, let me know.’ But one Christian sister did not ask. She went right into the bedroom, stripped the bed, and laundered the soiled linens. Another took bucket, water, and cleaning supplies and scrubbed the rug where my husband had vomited. These were true friends, and I shall never forget them. A few weeks later, one of the elders came over in his work clothes with his tools and said, ‘I know there must be something that needs fixing. What is it?’ How dear that man is to my heart for repairing the door that was hanging on a hinge and for fixing an electrical fixture!”

​—E. L., Puerto Rico