My father-in-law ended his battle with cancer yesterday. So this prompt is very timely for me, as well. Perhaps too timely but here are some thoughts on comfort in tanka form.
A small, thoughtful touch
Some well-chosen, loving words
Offerings of food
Balance the need to comfort
With the need to grieve alone
mother. wife. friend. teacher. writer. reader. photographer. birder. quilter. blogger.
Liza Lee Miller 
I offer my condolences to you. Your words speak to all of us.
Oh my goodness- I am so sorry for your loss. We are all touched by the death of loved ones… a very beautiful tanka…
I am so sorry about your father-in-law. I’m sending you a hug. Your words are beautiful and really well said, very heartfelt.
So well said! Bless you and your family.
My sympathy to your and yours. Yes, it’s a delicate balance, isn’t it?
Sorry for your loss, and yes it is a delicate balance..
You have expressed the truth of grieving beautifully. I am so sorry about your father-in-law. I hope your memories are many to wrap around you all.
Very well said. You bring in so many facets to this very delicate prompt.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your tanka is lovely and does a beautiful job of expressing some of the complicated emotions surrounding death.
Well you’ve summed up exactly where I’m at. all true. also sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear of the loss. Social and solitude help as you say.
You raise an interesting and valid point towards the end. The need for self comfort as well as that given by others. Well said.
Oh, you’re so on target. I hope you find the balance for you and your spouse. A beautiful poem from the depths of grief.
I’m so sorry for your loss! What beautiful, wise words you wrote.
So sorry.
Your words were lovely.