I'm open to the idea -- at least the idea that people should try to say *something* at this time. We all feel awkward, of course, but a simple "Thinking of You and wishing you peace" is at least a greeting. They can be religious for religious friends and more general for other friends.

As it is, some people don't have any trouble announcing to a bereaved wisow that 'He's in a Better Place,' which has always struck me as amazingly insensitive if you don't know the person well.

You know, we're getting older and a lot of folks will be in hospice care. This might be a growing business.....