Can I have you around to be my best friend when I'm blue? You're true gold for Bob--caring, empathetic, and kind. Nice to know the world has you in it, Grahame.

Sixty years is a long time to be married to someone. No wonder he is inconsolable. You are being a good friend by placing your humanity before your beliefs.

Lovely plant and sentiment.

You don't. Just continue to be kind to him. My mother is 90. She can talk all about God as much as she wants to, she can't remember that I told her I'm an atheist years ago. No sense in reminding her. The roses are beautiful.

You tell him nothing that may shatter his delusions ... that belief is all that is holding his life together.

I would have zero interest in trying to convince a heartbroken 86 year old man, who is grieving so intensely, and who misses his wife so terribly, that "his beliefs are rubbish."

His only comfort is in believing he will see her again someday.

It would be so unkind to try to take that away from him.

The tree is lovely.

I think you are wise to support your friend the way he needs.

Very nice of you. That is a beautiful plant, you have talent. Best wishes for your friend, as he appears to be suffering: you are showing a lot of kindness and concern.

Watch a bit of Anthony Magrabosco on u tube, he will teach you how to go about it without offending anyone but making them think.

I would continue encouraging the line of thought that God left him here for a reason. Also continue being the good friend that it sounds like you are. The roses are very pretty too!

I don't, I live by ethics tempered by empathy. My political and social issues with religion and my stance against it do not relate to the conditions such a person lives under.
Empathy Tempers my Ethics so I would do as you have, show compassion and remain silent.

You're doing fine. I have nothing to add

You don’t. Every respect for you for encouraging him.

I think you are a very kind human being by speaking his language.....you are Amazing.Hats off to you.

Help him find purpose in life now. And if it comforts him, he can believe he will see her again when he dies. Nothing to be gained by trying to change his mind. You are a good friend.

I have no tolerance for religious nonsense. But even I wouldn't try with an 86 year old.
just keep being his friend. It's all you can do really.
The rose is beautiful.

One thing I've learned over time. If a person does not ask they will not listen or hear. They may be courteous and let you complete your thought ( that is if your lucky and not hit with immediate defensiveness). But none of what you say will be heard or considered. Your words will go in one ear and out the other.

However, if you are asked your opinion then your chances of being actually heard is improved. They will listen you, may even seriously consider your remarks. May even follow them. Regardless, even if they do not follow, at least they considered( if only for a monent).