Anybody have a close friend lose a parent at a young age?

[rjb1816]

I've been talking to this girl for about 3 months almost every day...she told me on Sunday that her Mom had a stroke and wasnt going to make it. Ironically this was during the 4th quarter of the Charger game as they were trying to tie it up. Anyways, it was pretty sobering and kinda put things in perspective as far as what really matters. She was extremely close with her mom, spoke every day on the phone etc and it pains me to think about what she's going through. This is the first time anyone I'm close with has lost a parent at this young of an age and I'm struggling because there's not a lot I can do to help her. I sent her flowers and a card today but I feel kinda helpless...oh and her birthday is on Thursday with the funeral on Friday. I almost feel like I'm better off just letting her be with her family than to try and talk to her on the phone and stuff right now

[bigsportsguy2006]

be there for her and give her whatever she needs. many people are very different. they hardest part is that you need to try and feel her out. if she needs a shoulder, be there for her. if she needs some space, do that. if she needs people to tell the story to others, then do that. (i know when my good friend passed away in that uganda bombing, his brother, also a very good friend, just couldnt bare to tell the story to everyone. so he used me as a way to constantly keep me updated and spread the news to others. he later told me how huge it was for him not to have to re-live the story by telling it over and over again....) i guess my point is everyone needs something different so just try to do anything you may think is right.

[westcoastO]

lost my father when i was 13. i could tell you from my experience that all i really wanted from there on in was people to be around almost all the time. had and still have my days where i dont want to deal with anyone (like everyone else does) but people's company made shit 10x's better. to this day i can name basically every one of my friends that came to my dad's wake/funeral and they'll always mean something to me for it, even if i don't talk to them anymore. feel her out, gauge how she's handling it and where you fit in, IMO anyway