What can I do to help this man?

Question

The wife of a middle-aged gentleman I know died about six months ago, and he is very lonely. He is from Spain and his English is not that great, although he is friendly and gets along with lots of people. We don't live in a part of the country with a large Spanish-speaking population. What kind of community groups or support groups do you think would be available for him to get to know people and make friends? Where should I look?

Answer 1

I was In a neighbouring town one day, when I noticed a middle aged man on the beach, crying.

We talked for ages. He had lost his wife and couldn't face life anymore.

But I helped him realise how important he was. We talked about his grandchildren and his hobby as an artisan. I found out he was a very talented man.

You just have to be there for your friend, listen to him, really listen. Focus on his gifts, his talents. Encourage him to put down how he feels on paper, or through art. Encourage him so get some counselling.

Answer 2

Grief clubs. That's a slang for Widows & widowers support groups. Probably the best place to link to one is to go to a Senior Center and ask. Since a greater percentage of Seniors would be widowed, I mean.

Usually the Catholic Church has something like that in their social clubs. Ask a priest or deacon. (a deacon is the lay {non priest} minister in charge of church financial affairs, scheduling meetings, groups, lots of the day to day business of the church)

Couldn't hurt and might turn out to be a really good thing.

Answer 3

I live in a rural county in Northern California. We have bereavement groups. It would help with his loss as well as with a new life. Perhaps some of your social agencies would be able to refer you. Or, start one of your own. Or...he could teach spanish to people before their vacations. Or... if he were in america he could be a liason between spanish workers and their rich white bosses.