At a time such as this kind words and prayers are some of the first things that come to mind as a way of passing on our condolences to those who are left in the shadow of a tragedy such as this.
Memorial funds and gifts of money are worthy causes as well, But what must not be forgotten is the need for those who may be able to remain in contact with the family to not only say" call me if you need something", but to just go ahead and do something.
Having experienced the death of my wife a number of years ago, those things I remember most are the folks who just popped in and said "hey, can I pick something up for you, I'm on my way to the store", or just wanted to sit on the porch and never say a word {because they really don't know WHAT to say}, Just BE THERE.
Perhaps taking one of the kids for an ice cream out of the blue, because you can?
There are so many incidental yet truly meaningful things that can be done.
It is not the next few days or weeks that will be nearly as difficult as the nights coming home to an empty house, or making the painful but necessary decisions on what to do with the "things" that where part of Matts life.
Being there to support a grieving spouse at those times can be some of the greatest gifts anyone can offer.
I hope those of us that live within the area, could put that on their "Things I MUST do" list.
It will not only change the lives of those you reach out to, but it will have a profound impact on how you spend the remaining days of your life as well.
I know from painful experience of what I speak.