Kubler-Ross could be a bit overbearing and verbose,but she was probably right that overcoming grief is a stepped process.

Jackie just posted a meme on social media that reads...

"Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone."

I'm taking this as a good sign.

You are a friend..glad they have you!

Prayers

So hard to know what to say a such times. But I think that when the time comes, you'll do okay.

You know this but I'll say it anyway. Be as supportive as you can be,within reason.

To repeat again...I TALKED with Ray: As in texted and then called. I will see Ray in two weeks at practice and again the first weekend in August. Hopefully Jackie will be there in August.

And Bitchlyone is right. If they're on your mind, please ring them. They may not want to talk, or they may, but whichever, it will let them know you care and you're there for them.

I haven't lost a child - can't even begin to imagine how that would feel - but I lost the love of my life 10 years ago, very suddenly. I still cry when it hits hard. Love and strength to Ray and Jackie, and prayers for comfort.

You say .."I think everybody can resonate with the pain of losing your kid" That is not true. Until you have lost a CHILD no matter their age you have no clue the kind of pain involved and it's duration.
You say there is nothing you can do. Calling Ray and just talking is not invading privacy and if they are both on your mind then stay in touch.

After loosing a child many friends do not call because they do not know what to say or some friends disconnect altogether.

The sentence "Ray, you lost your SON. I think you can cry a few tears. You sure aren't bothering me by feeling the pain of losing your kid." maybe speaks volumes as to why you think there's nothing you can do.

I am truly sorry for your friends loss. It is horrible to lose a child to death. It changes your life forever from the moment their heart stops beating and you continue to live.

There's no time like the present.

I'm sorry this happened to your friends.