Can you suggest some questions that would help my family talk about my husband who died?


Q. My beloved husband died suddenly last year. I have been using your Hope devotional, which is by far the best resource for me this turbulent year. Our children are 32 and 30–we want to talk about my husband and remember in a meaningful way his impact on all of us. Your devotionals always end with great questions—can you suggest some questions for us to use on Friday as we remember together? Thank you!
A. I’m glad you asked. I haven’t thought about this before. Here’s some ideas:
• What are some of the memories of dad that make you smile?
• What have you heard people say about dad that really pleases you or surprises you?
• When were the times this past year you have most wished that he was here?
• Where are the places or situations where you really miss him?
• How is your grief different at this one-year mark than it was the first few weeks?
• How do you think we are doing with supporting or helping each other with our grief?
• What do you wish we would talk about in regard to your dad’s death that we don’t talk about?
• How do you hope or anticipate this next year will be different from this first year without him?

May the Lord give you the grace you need to face this marker and the many more to come.
Nancy