To Say or To Be - That is the Question

What do you say when someone is hurting?

Isn't that always the first thing we think of when we are faced with the news of a new illness or tragedy? It's hard. Sometimes there just isn't anything to say.

One of the best responses I have ever heard was simply this.  "I don't know what to say, and I don't know what you need to hear, but I'm here."  Simple and profoundly honest.

I expect you want to say something helpful, I feel like that too, but I have found that words sometimes mess up the love my presence wants to convey. So I am learning to hug.  I am learning to share tears. I am learning to squeeze the hands that have reached out to me and simply love.

Later, there will be time for words. Now is the time to just BE. Don't let not knowing what to say ruin that. 

Blessings
Kathy

Comments

Debbie Church said…
So True, so very, very true. Just being there is what is needed, be it in person, a text, an email, a card with your thoughts in it, or a Facebook message.
7:22 AM
Cherie Gagnon said…
Sometimes people won't know what to say so they don't say anything or even avoid. I agree that it's good to just be honest and admit to not knowing what to say and offer a hug or hold someone's hand while they weep. It's nice to know that people will be there for you when you are hurting.
8:37 AM
Kathy Gronau Terral said…
Thank you for your comments. Hugging you from here just because ;)
11:44 AM
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