what can you say?

[DrLeftover]

Today, in fact, just a few minutes ago, I got a message from an old friend from college.

An old friend who was less than a "girlfriend" per se, but still, we were close, just, we never really dated or anything that way.

From more or less out of the blue, she got back in touch with me, and we caught up as we hadn't spoken at all in five years or more.

And then, she tells me that her husband was just diagnosed with ALS.

I didn't know what else to say except that her and Tim would be in our prayers, and that he would need her, and she would need friends.

I mean really, what could I say that wouldn't have sounded overly stupid or phony?

 

[Enter Username Here]

I can sum this up easy.

You show her moral support, then fate will play out.

 

[DrLeftover]

I suspect it was because she knows I went through the terminal illness of a spouse several years ago, and, now, she is facing the same thing.

But the only help I can be is moral support since she lives in the DC area, and, well, we do not.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

I mean really, what could I say that wouldn't have sounded overly stupid or phony?

I've been put in a similar situation many times. Someone offers up some really terrible news about themselves or someone close to them and you are stuck there feeling awkward and not knowing what to say.

 

[cynosure.x]

I find it weird in the first place that she just started talking to you again and then drops that kind of bomb on you.
But all you could do is be supportive and such.

 

[Ellie1142545]

She was just reaching out to friends, even those she had not been in contact with for sometime....Wanting and needing moral support....I think you handled it wisely.....letting her know that she and her husband, Tim, would be in your prayers.....I'm thinking you'll be hearing from her more often, just to feel that moral support you're sending her way....