How can I help my son through this

[bobdylannumber1]

This week my ds1 (24) best friend died he's absolutely devastated, he was his best friend since they were around 7 they saw each other most days he was a sweetheart and we are all broken hearted I can't stop crying I'm trying to pull myself together but it's so hard the funeral isn't for a few days because family are travelling I know there is nothing I can do or say to make him feel better he's had lots of hardship in his life it was his deceased dads birthday this week as well, I don't know how to help him through this I really don't want to see his friend in a coffin a young beautiful young boy but obviously I will go with him. He has a lovely girlfriend who is also very upset I don't know why I'm posting really

Just be there for him.

It's going to be hard when this lovely man was part of all your lives for so long. Especially for your DS. Just be there as a shoulder for him to cry on and someone to talk to. You can't rush grief. Encourage him to carry on with normal life as much as possible as this will provide a small distraction but otherwise let this run it's course. It does get easier with time, it never goes away but it does get easier.

Sending my thoughts to you all. Very sorry for your and your son's loss

I agree. Just keep him company. Make sure he eats and drinks.
He may want to help arrange/ participate in his friend's funeral.
My son carried his friend's coffin, spent time with his parents, arranged for a group of friends to speak at the funeral and helped to clear out his friend's flat.
A few months later we lost our older son. His friends stepped up and did all of the above for us.
It helps everyone.
DS 2 spends a lot of time with his friend's family.
DS1's friends keep in touch with us.
Anniversaries are remembered, as are birthdays.
These things matter and help us cope.
I am so sorry for your son.
Support him in remembering his friend, let him grieve. Tell him it is ok to cry.

Thank you both for replying I'm so sorry for the loss of your son endoftheline that must be so hard. DS is gonna carry the coffin and has been down with the family and he also went to the flat to collect things that they asked him to get that was today I don't know how that went I've just been down with the parents so so hard thanks for the advice I know it'll all take time and he will really be forever young.

The kindness of people who came to sit with us, brought flowers and food, brought shopping - simple but necessary things - got us through the awful days and weeks.
Also the cards and letters meant so much. I take them out and read them sometimes.
DS1's friends found lots of photographs and put together a slide show that DH now has on his lap top. They printed some enlarged photos that they displayed at the celebration of life after the funeral. They all made wonderful and hilarious speeches that made us laugh and cry.
If your ds can help his friend's parents with anything they need, they will remember his kindness for the rest of their lives. Also, he will feel he did what he could for his friend.