Workmate's father's sudden death. Newly orphaned.
Backstory
He's actually the 2 I.C. The guy's in his mid twenties and, unbeknownst to me, his mother is also deceased- having died last year. It's going to be tough for everyone when he returns to work. by Sagacious in Six-Word Memoirs on Feb 24, 2013 | 
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Comments
L2L3 says,
All things considered, won't it be tougher for him?Sagacious says,
D'oh.Sagacious says,
D'oh.Dragonflower says,
It's always hard to know what to do when a coworker suffers a loss. I feel bad asking for work related stuff, but it is work. I feel bad saying sorry, as if that will remind them, when they are maybe trying to be distracted by work. I have always just tried to do something nice, like bring them a tea or soda or something like that. For days so they feel taken care of and comforted. Just to let them know I care without overwhelming them.I became an orphan in my mid twenties. What people did then was to stay away from me. That kinda hurt. But they just didn't know what to do or say since I was so young. I like being patted on the shoulder for some reason. Even today. It's easier for me than a hug.
Maybe this isn't the kind of comment you are looking for, Sag. But it is what came to mind when I read it. Not sure what a 2 I.C. is and if that makes a difference as to his interactions with folks at work.
Sagacious says,
2 I.C. means second-in-charge. He's my boss on Monday nights and when the proper boss isn't working. It's strange talking to the guy about work when you know he must be going through hell on the inside.Dragonflower says,
Exactly. Sometimes I think bereavement leave needs to be longer. There is so much going on and things to be taken card of. Your mind isn't on work, but if you show up, people are counting on you. Difficult time all around.