Always do this when you visit the hospital

Tip #5: Just Listen (Shut up, please)

Being silent in the presence of another is a skill you must develop. 
It’s quite difficult. But like other difficult skills, it can be learned.

After you’ve greeted the patient, you will feel the urge to say something. 
To make sense of the situation. 
To ask questions. 
To remind them of the promises of God. 
Remaining silent can feel like drowning. 
Your brain twitches, “I’ve got to say...something!”

If you feel you need to say something, try this:
Count slowly from ten to one. 
Take a deep breath. 
Then do it again. 

Pray a silent prayer. Be mindful. Be present.
The patient might be in pain, on medication, or just in deep thought about their situation. 
Blurting a few words that make you feel better and rushing out the door won’t help.

Always practice silence and listening when you visit the hospital.

If you fail at holding silence, forgive yourself and try again.
If I had to sum up how to talk about death, dying, and grief in two words, they would be:
Listen well.