Freaking Out With Friends

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares."

I found this very long quote yesterday, and I'm hoping it's true. I just got a phone call from a very-freaked-out friend, but far from being able to help her calm down, I was kinda freaked out myself. Really, really freaked out. But I care.

I couldn't offer her any solutions or words of wisdom or good ideas. I mostly sat in a stunned silence which was a nice complement for her more verbal shock. But I listened and felt for her and just plain old cared. I hope that was really enough.