Comforting the Grieving: Just Show Up

The power of presence - I learned it when my dear friend's husband passed away suddenly.  At first I stumbled over my words and eked out a "Call me if you need anything", which left the responsibility for meeting her need for support squarely on the shoulders of the person who could least focus, much less pick up a phone and articulate a need.  So, I decided to venture into her world, having no answers, just my friendship and my mere presence as my offering.  I put my friend on my calendar so that every Tuesday for one year I would connect with her.  Sometimes in person, sometimes via phone or email - and if only to say "I'm here" or "I don't know why it happened" or to pray with her.  She struggled through her grief, angry at times, depressed at others. She slowly showed signs of healing.  She would tell me years later that my presence and my prayers were precious gifts.  "You were the only one who didn't go away" she'd say.  And all I had offered her was myself.  
Do you know someone who is grieving?  Put them on your calendar.  
Look for a GriefShare group starting this February 17th at The Chapel, 1200 American Way, Libertyville.  Contact Cathy at cwoodside@chapel.org for more information on this and other support groups we are offering.