Sympathy 101 for Atheists

[Kylyssa]

People seem to have this idea that atheists have nothing to offer to grieving friends and relatives.  Grief is a minefield already difficult to navigate but it becomes even more explosive when the people involved have radically different concepts of reality.  To help atheists navigate the minefield of religious grief, I wrote Sympathy 101 for Atheists.

Your suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated.

[elliebean]

Thank you, Kylyssa, this is something I've had to struggle through many times, but  after reading that, I'm sure it will be less of one in the future.

[Sophus]

You've handled this topic with such grace and eloquence. Thank you, Kylyssa.

[Recusant]

I took care of a dying woman for her last year.  She believed in God, and was a really great person.  The family had asked me to speak at her funeral, and I spent many hours trying to come up with something to say that would be honest and positive.  In the end, what I said followed a lot of the guidelines you laid out so beautifully.  I guess it helped that I got to know her really well, and also knew her family; I was able to connect in a way that somebody who wasn't that close would have had a much more difficult time with.  I can tell that you gave this piece the same serious thought that I did for my friend's funeral.  I think it'll help any non-believer who reads it to better navigate that difficult time.  Thank you and keep up the good work Kylyssa; I hope some day you collect these pieces and see if you can get them published.