Because of six decades spent in hospitals, courtrooms & prison ministry I am asked, "What do I say to grieving friends." My response is, "Nothing. Presence is everything."

My dear Divinity school friend and world class minister, Rev. Kaye Harvey (pictured), sent a poem by Patricia McKernon Reynolds, that is far more eloquent: 

When You Meet Someone Deep in Grief.

Slip off your needs
and set them by the door.

Enter barefoot
this darkened chapel

hollowed by loss
hallowed by sorrow

its gray stone walls
and floor.

You, congregation
of one

Are here to listen
not to sing.

Kneel in the back pew.
Make no sound,

let the candles
speak.

What do you say to Grief? "Let the 'candles' speak." 

-Erie Chapman