You suddenly find yourself in the presence of another person’s pain. Maybe it’s death. Maybe it’s divorce. Maybe it’s loss, or fear, or the unknown. Either way, you’re there, witnessing pain and sorrow and heartache.
Proceed with grace, empathy, and a heart ready to listen. You’re in the presence of another person’s pain. This pain doesn’t need a miracle. It doesn’t need to be taken or covered. It needs noticed. It needs recognized. It needs valued.
Be present and listen, you’re in the presence of pain.
Be a shoulder to lean on and a hand to hold, you’re in the presence of pain.
Be without judgement or advice, you’re in the presence of pain.
Be authentic and understanding, you’re in the presence of pain.
Be brave in the uncomfortable, you’re in the presence of pain.
Give love and support and time, you’re in the presence of pain.
You’ve been trusted with this pain. You’ve been trusted with the emotion and the moment. You are in the presence of someone else’s pain, because you are loved, admired, and valued.
You are in the presence of pain, and while it might feel heavy and uncomfortable, it’s a gift. They chose you to listen, to help, to heal. And all you have to do is accept and appreciate your place, in the presence of someone else’s pain.
