The other day I was trying to express words of comfort to a friend whose friend had lost two children in a tragic accident. Usually words fail at a time like that. But for some reason my pen flowed freely and I wanted to remember what came out, because even as the ink was drying I knew the words were true.
What I wanted to express was that the simple but seemingly menial things one can do for a friend during any time of great loss--a warm meal, caring for other children, giving a ride here or there, making a few phone calls, running errands, whatever--do make a difference. They might not all be known or remembered. But they are the essential elements that encircle the heartbroken friend in love and carry him or her through such an impossible trial. I know this because I have have been that friend. I witnessed an entire neighborhood be those friends. And I witnessed the difference those friends made in one family's life. And I will never forget it.
"The little things you do are the tiniest rays of hope on a mother's darkest days."
2 comments:
hi CW: beautiful and so true what you said. for the family who lost their 22 y/o son in a tragic car accident a couple weeks ago, i was also so impressed at the outpouring of support, comfort, love, etc., that was given to this ward family. they are doing pretty good, too, they say. the dad was so cute on fast sunday, he stood up, put a sticker on his chest that said "i'm ok" and said they were doing ok and please don't not talk to them just because you aren't sure what to say. that was neat that he did that.
people (most people) are basically pretty good to others. i was glad to get to see some of this recently in their family's tradegy.
what a great friend you are to someone you love, too. good job.
~blessings this day to you, kathleen :)
Hi, it's me, randomly going through old Feedblitz updates, so here I am with you in mid-May, only two months later.
I can add a hearty amen to your hallelujah. Those little acts of kindness make a difference just like each replenishing swallow of water makes a difference to someone parched with thirst. Your friend may not remember to count all the little "drinks," or recognize each and every act of support as something unique—she may gulp down the helps that come from here and there, and count it all as a single saving refreshment. Whatever the case, you can know that you helped to sustain life. Good on you (again).
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