Julia Furlan

Five years later, the tumor came back, and it was inoperable.

So Avi's brother, Dov, slowly lost his ability to function.

When somebody is grieving, their world, their heart has a hole in it.

And if you're supporting them, you're never going to fill that hole or make the pain go away.

But you can be there to witness it and hold that pain.

Knowing that you don't have to be perfect, let's look at the ways of supporting folks in your life who are grieving.

Takeaway one, witness the grief and don't be afraid to bring up the person that they lost.

Takeaway two, saying something can feel awkward.

Avoid platitudes and be as specific as possible, even if it's simple.

Takeaway three, give practical support as much as you can.

Takeaway four, keep reaching out over time.

Everyone has a role to play in supporting the grieving person.

So Avi is a musician and songwriter, so I asked him for a song that might play us out that speaks to the grief that he carries.

So to all of you who are grieving and supporting grief, this is for you.