sad news

This is my seconds cousins son. The war has never hit this close to home.before.  I just cant stop crying.I just keep thinking he is my sons age. This is what I came home to after being at the hospital with myt husband... I am so upset...  I dont know what to do for my cousin. Nana said she had so much food already that they had to rent a freezer as it will be another week before the funeral...What can I do for her.. This is so sad...  http://www.robdailynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=3597

Rie, What a horrible thing to happen. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. This war I think is so much more worse than we really know. So sad your cousin was so very young.                                                           Annie

The only thing you can do is be there and listen. They will need some to talk to who will listen and let them vent, let them cry, and just listen As long as it takes which will be forever. Losing a child is the worst thing that can happen. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your cousin through the terrible unfair time.  

Oh Marie, I am so sorry. It just breaks my heart every time I see this happen to another one of our brave and wonderful young men.  I'm sure your family is so very proud of him. Crying is good, you definitely need to mourn. Just be there for your cousin, especially after the funeral. That's usually the time when people need to most support and I'm sure they will need it for a long time. Big hugs to you and your family.

What I usually do when someone dies is that I write a letter to the family telling them how I felt about the deceased person, and include one or two happy memories that I shared with that person.  It seems to help the surviving family, as they like to hear stories of how their departed loved one touched other peoples' lives. It also helps with my own grieving process. I'm sorry to hear this news.  I don't want to get started on my personal feelings about the war, I just feel sad that yet another young life has been lost way too soon. Hugs, Kix  

Marie, I am so sorry for your family!  When I lost my husband, I appreciated the folks who kept checking up on me even many months after the death. Big hugs, Lori P.S.  I hate this war with all my heart!

I'm so sorry for your loss!  Everyone here has good ideas, and I completely agree that just being there and listening is most important.  At first everyone will be there to help and offer what they can, but its weeks later that your family will really begin coming to terms with everything and may need some support.  Once the shock wears off.  The letter kix mentioned is a very thoughtful idea.  My heart goes out to your cousin. Jenn   

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.