My dad is 94 and my folks were married for 67 years. Well actually it was exactly one month shy of their 67th anniversary that she passed. How do we best help him deal with this. He is devastated! We hold his hand and let him cry and talk. It has only been a few days and we were there when she passed. But it is just so hard to see him in such pain and sorrow. I am not sure if this is the right place to ask this question and it might have been asked before. If someone could point me in the right direction, it would be so helpful and much appreciated. Thank you.
Of course he is devastated. How could he be anything else? And you don't shake that kind of devastation off in a few days.
Of course it is so hard to see him in such pain and sorrow. It would be sadder if he had never had anyone in his life whose loss would devastate him so.
Time will help. But a few days is definitely not nearly enough time. Be patient and comforting. Perhaps looking through some photo albums or sharing memories would be worth trying.
If this goes on for months without improvement, consider getting him help. Now, let him mourn in his own way.