I agree with the ladies I would have ended up bursting into tears just giving them all the hugs and it was great you let the son know he can talk to you if he needs it. You handeled it beautifully most words sound very hollow and insincere at a time like that

I say you did great.
The boy and the family as a whole are fond of you and there are so many times that words are not necessary. Your hug expressed it all.
You are there, you are tangable. You are a happy memory.

I think you did just the right thing.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 15 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I had a girl in my class one year whose big brother was murdered in a gang fight. It is so hard not to break down but to still show them how much you care.

You did perfect! Really I'm sure he wants to be treated like he is normal, but also with the understanding of the intense grief he is experiencing right now! He knows you are there if he needs a friendly ear! He might not be ready to talk and I can't imagine going through so much at such a young age. Its a tough place to be for sure, but I think you handled yourself perfectly! It was real and it was honest! I can see why he'd try to seek you out when he's experiencing so much right now!
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 15 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Its a difficult situation and when you are hurting that much words seem shallow sometimes. You know the person is trying to help, but you're so lost in yourself at that moment that you can't understand why they keep blabbing on showing their "understanding". A hug and a friendly person you can forget yourself while you are around them for a bit sounds exactly what he needed right then! Being able to laugh for even a few seconds is such a welcome relief when you are battling such strong emotions!

Laura
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 15 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I think you were right on.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 15 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Most people understand in those situations that it's difficult for anyone to have the "right" words or actions.

I'd probably send a note to the mother with your sympathies and an offer to chat if she needs to.

When we lost our babies (not the same scale, I know), Sarah's teachers sent notes home with very basic sympathies and offers to talk if I found it necessary. It was so heartfelt and unexpected, which made it seem even more helpful.


To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 15 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.