One of my closest friends lost her dad suddenly...

[Summerfruit]

I have just got the news, he died today after a week in coma...She's in France, I'm in England, I really cant afford the trip to France as we are moving next week end and we are tight with money. What can I do to support her so she knows I think of her ?

It's horrid the same happened to me with a friend last year and on the other foot when my dad died 5 years ago.

The thing that got me through was phone calls - even if it's just wanted to say hi and thinking of you. Text message to say you love them. Send something if you can, flowers, cookies something that will make them smile even though it's tough.

A letter with a card also is good.

Oh and ask if she'd like to talk about her dad, the amount of people who wouldn't mention him was the worst for me. Even if you don't know what to say let her do the talking.

Thanks paranoidmother..It helps ! My mum is going to represent me at the funerals and I'm going to get flowers as well. And I'll get her goodies later...but I dont think she 's going to talk for a while.

It's always nice when you know you have friends no matter where they are. Sounds like you'll be doing the best you can

I have spoke to her yesterday afternoon when she was in the funeral chamber She was devastated as you could expect...I'm going to use the tips you gave me..thank you so much !

my dad died suddenly a few years ago, and I used to like the friends that just called to say hello, and if we ended up talking about my dad then that was fine, but sometimes we just talked about everyday things. I used to find it hard sometimes when friends would call up and ask 'how are you' and I didn't want to have to think how I was. Sometimes a bit of normality is good.

thanks Fork, you are helping...I really want to be there for my friend

about a month or two down the line when the dust settles, and the funeral is over and all the mourners are gone, can be when you need a friend the most.

At this stage it prob hasnt sunk in yet - be there later when it does. Invite her over in may/june maybe?

In the mean time keep in touch, and dont be afraid to talk about trivial or funny things with her as well as talking about her dad sometimes