A central Pink Shoelace idea
What’s their name?
If you notice the shoelace, one of the most meaningful questions may simply be: what’s their name?
You won’t remind them. They haven’t forgotten.
Do not worry that asking reminds someone that the person died. They haven’t forgotten, not for a moment. Asking their name does not introduce the loss into the room. It is already there.
You don’t need the right words
You don’t need the right words. Ask their name. Then let the person decide what they want to tell you. They may say a single name and nothing more. They may want to talk for an hour. Both are complete answers.
Notice. Ask. Listen. Remember with me.