When someone we love is facing a terminal illness, it can be difficult to know what to say. We want to be supportive and uplifting, but we don’t know where to begin. This list of comforting words for the terminally ill might help you come up with ideas for what to say. If you have friends or family members who are sick or dying, make sure they know how much you care about them!
"I am always thinking about you"
You can say this to anyone, not just the terminally ill. In fact, we think it’s easier to say this to someone who is going through a difficult time. It feels like a consolation that they are not alone in their troubles. You might be able to help them feel better by letting them know they are in your thoughts.
"You are so strong and brave"
If you are facing a terminal illness yourself, the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. You are strong and brave, and there is no way anyone can take away your strength or courage. It’s not easy to be brave when you’re facing death, but the people who love you will always be with you in spirit. We’ve seen how much courage it takes for someone to get through this, and we admire all of the love they have given us. As relatives and friends of terminally ill people, we want them to know that we appreciate your strength. You’re an inspiration!
We know how hard it can be when loved ones are sick or dying, but don’t forget that there are many people in your life who care about you. Just because someone isn’t physically present doesn’t mean they aren’t thinking about what’s going on.
"I am here for you always"
This is the most important thing that anyone can say to someone who is terminally ill. It will let them know that they have a friend who cares about them and wants to be there for them during this difficult time of their life. This phrase should help ease the pain associated with knowing that you will not see your loved one for very long, or maybe ever again.
"I can't imagine how you feel, but I am here to listen"
It’s hard to know how to respond when someone you love is terminally ill. When they tell you they have been diagnosed with cancer or another terminal illness, your first instinct is probably to ask them if there is anything you can do for them. But this isn’t always the right time for that. The best thing for you to do is just listen and be there for them. It’s not always easy to find the right words when someone we care about is dealing with a serious illness, but here are some suggestions that might help:
“I know this must be difficult for you.”
“I’m here if there’s anything I can do.”
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”
"I love you and care about you very much"
Or in other words, you can say the following:
I love you and care about you very much.
You are a wonderful person and I am grateful for our friendship/relationship.
This is the kind of thing that anyone would appreciate hearing from their friends or family, even if they don’t have a terminal illness. It shows that you care about them and their feelings, which is always good to remember in any situation.
"Thank you for inspiring me with your strength"
Along the same lines:
Thank you for inspiring me with your strength.
You have shown me how to be a stronger person.
You have shown me how to be more courageous in the face of adversity.
Your example has helped me become more compassionate towards others who are suffering from illness or loss, and it has given me the courage to be a better friend when someone I love is going through something difficult.
"You've done so much to be proud of"
Some of the most comforting words we’ve heard for a person who is dying are: “You are a great parent/friend”. The last thing you want to do is be afraid to say something like that, but most people don’t know how to voice it. Instead, they’ll say something like “your kids will be fine” or their own version of that sentiment—and while both might be true, they’re mean exactly.
The same goes for other areas in your life where you’ve, as the terminally ill, made an impact: your spouse and friends will miss you terribly when you’re gone. You have been a terrific community member; and everyone knows they can count on you as a neighbor.
Even if someone doesn’t have any experience living with someone who is terminally ill, there are things he or she can say that will make the patient feel better about himself or herself. This will help them accept their fate faster.
"You have a lot to live for"
You have so many people who love you and care about you, and the world will be a less bright place without you in it. You’ve got a lot of hobbies that bring joy to your life, and there are things in the future that you look forward to as well. Your friends and family will remember all the good times they had with you for years to come.
Keep it simple
When we don’t know what to say, it is sometimes best to keep it simple. Try to focus on the person, not their illness.
It can be helpful to use a sympathy card or letter. This can allow you more time to think about what you want to say and how best to express yourself. It also gives them something tangible that they can hold onto when things get difficult for them in the future.
What not to say
It’s possible that you will find yourself saying “you will be fine” or “it will get better,” but these types of responses are often not useful for someone who is terminally ill because they do not feel like things will ever get better again.
In fact, many people end up feeling worse after hearing these kinds of responses because they feel like they are being lied too or told something out of pity rather than having their feelings validated by someone who genuinely cares about them as a person rather than just being another hospital visitor looking at their body through glass windows every day until it dies (which may take months).
It may also make them feel guilty when thinking about how much time was wasted trying different treatments that never worked instead of spending those precious moments with loved ones instead!
Final Thoughts
Remember, when someone is dying, they are likely to hear many words of love and encouragement. But not everyone can say what they need to hear in that moment. So if you are feeling uncomfortable or unsure about what to say during one of these difficult conversations with a loved one who is terminally ill, try some of the comforting words above.
It’s important that we find ways to comfort those who are hurting without making them feel worse. Being insensitive or saying something hurtful unintentionally can happen to any of us. So long you mean well, your loved ones will. And there’s no better way of sharing your intentions than a well-thought out end-of-life plan. Sign up for Myend’s end-of-life services for free today!
