I have a newish friend, we are pretty close now (generally message multiple times a day) but have only become so in the last year really, so this is the first major life event for either of us since we have known each other.
A close member of my their family is currently in hospital and is likely to die in the next day or two, having been ill for some time. My friend has gone back to their home town in order to most of their time at the hospital. We have talked about the situation a bit in the past but never in great depth. I want to be there to support them, and I want to know that, but obviously I don't want to burden them with feeling like they have to respond to me.
Last night, their partner said they might appreciate a message, so I sent a short message saying I was thinking of them and their family, no pressure to reply but that I was there for silly or serious chats if they would like that. They sent a brief but appreciative reply and we've had no contact since (although I can see they have been online).
I'm not not sure what to do in terms of contacting them again. I don't want them to feel bombarded, or like they are under onus to respond, but I also don't want them to feel abandoned as we normally message so regularly. I have never had such a close loss, so I am struggling slightly to know what is best. Any insight or advice as to how your friends can/did support you in the sort of situation would be much appreciated.