a group of four friends died in a Chicago fire this weekend...?

Question

One of the deaths was a friend of mine from high school and there was only one survivor (also a friend of mine). They were/are both only 21 years old. He jumped out of the 3rd story window and landed on the sidewalk breaking his pelvic bone and probably has more broken bones and burns as well (i don't know for sure i haven't seen him yet)...all I know is that he is in critical condition.
The fire was started by a (supposedly insane) bum.
Anyways, my question is...
I want to write something on a memorial wall, but I'm having a hard time thinking of things. Everything I want to write I'm too scared to put because I don't want it to be taken the wrong way. Especially since I only knew one of the guys that died.
I'm so braindead. I am just in shock of what happened and all I can think of is "I can't believe that they are gone" and I don't want to write just that. But it's true, it's like unreal to me and I can't even think straight.
Any help would be appreciated. Oh & I'm not religious.

...continuing from above...

I'm not religious so I don't really want to lie and say stuff like "their in my prayers" "they've moved on to a better place" etc. etc.

thank you everyone for your kind words in this tough time.
my greatest memory of Jerod, the one who died, was when he called me up out of the blue after we hadn't talked for months after graduation and he confessed that he was in love with me.
Man, this is so hard.
I live 3 hours away at college in Champaign, but my hometown is Belvidere (where they were from too). It's so random...I heard all about the Chicago fire, but didn't find out who was in it until yesterday.
I wish I could go home and visit my friends and visit Ian (the one in critical condition) in Chicago.
I've never been through anything like this before. My grandpa died when I was in 6th grade, but I've never had a close friend die. It really makes you think a lot about life and death.

I have to take a midterm exam in a few hours and I am definately not in the right mental state for that...but it's already a make-up because I was sick last week, so I don't think I can get excused again. Ugh.

Also, my friend in the hospital is very fortunate to have so many great friends. Even though I am so far away right now and can't visit him until friday...he has had at least 20 visitors there for him every day. I can't imagine what he's witnessed and lived through. It makes me so upset to think about it.
They are both such good people.
Jerod was our senior class president and everyone loved him. He also worked at a nursing home because he had such a crazy connection with old folks. He loved to be around them and learn from them and make them smile.
I haven't seen him in about a year...and I can't believe that now I will never be able to see him again.

Answer 1

i lost a close friend in high school, we were seniors and it was tough, the shock never goes away. If you are in Chicago, you have heard about the Steve Avery case, he on trial for the Murder of Teresa Halbach, well she was a really close friend of mine. I went to the service at her church for her, it was before we had 100% proof that the remains were hers, but we all knew they were. It was religious, and because that was her way of life i attended, it helped. I have to say that when someone you know, close or not, dies unexpectedly and in such away that it is not natural, the shock will wipe all other thoughts away. I am usually good at writing things, but at the service there was a book to sign for her family, and I did not know where to start. She was a close friend, supportive, loving, kind, and her laugh and smile were priceless. Try to think of the things that you want to remember about your friend. What do you remember most about him? A joke he always told,, or something he always said, maybe a jesture he made, something memorable, something that you always identify with him. Teresa's favorite color was blue, so i wore a blue sweater to her memorial. She and I were photographers together, so i searched for photos of her, her laugh was like no other, you could hear her laughing and know it was her. She liked to karaoke, and was good at it. Write about something you guys did together that you will never forget, or something that you talked about or shared. even if it is something as silly as eating a big bowl of ice cream at 2am because you weren't ready to call it a night. Or sitting in a car together and talking about life. share your memories with others in what you write. it will come to you, and you will know just what to write about when you are ready. The shock has not worn off yet.
Your friend that is in the hospital needs you now. Make sure to visit and let him know that you care. Trust me, knowing and seeing someone care means a lot to a person. I have been that person in the hospital bed with no visitors, and it can really hurt, more than the physical pain you are in.
Good Luck, and I am sorry for your loss, friends are priceless, and we all need as many as we can find. The loss of one, is a giant loss, and that one friend will never be replacible.

Answer 2

Say what ever comes from your heart. If it comes from your heart there is no way anyone could find it offensive. Sorry not much advise but I am truly sorry for your loss. I am religious and I will prey for you and the family members of the deceased.

Answer 3

Just write what you feel. Why can't you say that you are in shock and can't believe that they are gone...that they will be sorely missed, etc... I am so sorry.

Answer 4

Just write what's in your heart. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Answer 5

Just write that they will never be forgottten. It is true, you will never forget the friend you lost.