Why was "What Did You Say?" written. It was written because well-meaning people don't usually know what to say when they visit, call, or text someone during the time of bereavement. This book will cause you to think before saying or doing something that may cause a deeper pain for the bereaved. I am a Compassionate Friend. I became a Compassionate Friend the day William died (May 31, 1990). The mission of The Compassionate Friends is to assist families toward the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age and any cause, and to provide information to help others be supportive for as long as the grief lasts.