I lost my daughter at age 17 in 2012. Being a supportive friend is a tough journey. Most supportive friends don't last the distance and drift away. There is no time limit on grief, thats probably the most important thing you need to understand. And the grieving person maybe changed forever, and will never return to the person you knew before their loss. Just being there for someone no matter what, without judging, or offering advice or your opinions is important too