For gently opening space with someone who is grieving. Follow their lead and let silence be okay.

Warm Up

1. How are you doing today, just today?
2. Would you like to talk about them, or would you rather I just sit with you?
3. What is something you want me to know about them?
4. What is a story about them that makes you smile?
5. Is there anything practical I can take off your plate this week?
6. Would it help if I just stayed with you for a while?
7. What was their favorite food, song or place?
8. Do you want company or quiet today?
9. What is something they always used to say?
10. Is there a photo of them you love?

Get Real

11. What has been the hardest part so far?
12. What do people say that helps, and what do they say that does not?
13. When do you miss them the most?
14. What are you finding comfort in right now?
15. Is there something you have not been able to say out loud yet?
16. What does a hard day look like for you right now?
17. Is there anything you are worried about that I could help with?
18. How are you sleeping and eating, honestly?
19. Who else in your life is checking in on you?
20. What do you wish people would stop saying?

Go Deep

21. What do you wish you could tell them?
22. What did they teach you that you want to carry forward?
23. How do you want to remember them?
24. What does support look like for you a month from now, when people stop checking in?
25. Can I keep asking about them? I want to keep their name alive with you.
26. What do you miss most that nobody else would think of?
27. Is there anything you feel guilty about that you want to say out loud?
28. What would they want for you right now?
29. Which dates or days are going to be hard, so I can show up?
30. How can I keep showing up for you in the months ahead?