Remembering Jaklin Viguen: A Life Well-Lived

Choosing the Right Words
Finding the right words to say to someone grieving is often the hardest part. The best approach is to be genuine and simple. Acknowledge their pain by saying something like, "I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you." Avoid platitudes like, "They're in a better place," or "Everything happens for a reason." While well-intentioned, these phrases can feel dismissive of their very real pain. Instead, you can share a positive memory you have of the deceased, which helps to honor their life. For example, "I'll always remember the time [deceased's name] did [a specific act]. They were such a wonderful person." This not only shows you cared about their loved one but also provides a moment of shared, happy remembrance.