In January 2025, Evelien Florijn was present when her father, Gert, chose voluntary assisted dying at their home in the Netherlands, following a rapid decline due to stage-four lung cancer. This experience brought about complex feelings of anticipatory grief and loss. Evelien, who had recently settled in Melbourne, faced logistical challenges while supporting her family during this time. Despite her family's grief, it was her friends who provided essential emotional and practical support. Friends in the Netherlands, like Laura and Lieke, offered physical comfort, while Clair Henneberry from Australia maintained a supportive presence through calls and messages. Experts emphasize the unique role friends play during such times, as they can provide steadiness and normalcy, often helping with everyday tasks that the grieving individual may struggle to manage. Ongoing emotional support is crucial, as many feel isolated after the initial loss. Clair's proactive approach in remembering Gert and celebrating his life has strengthened her bond with Evelien, illustrating how friendships can deepen in the face of adversity.