The "Right" Words

The last few days have been touched with sadness for people around me.  I'm am nowhere near the best person in the "comfort" department and I always feel like I NEVER have the right words to say when sad news is shared.  All I can ever really say is either "I am so sorry this happened to you" or something to the equivalent.  

Many of my work collegues are sad and heartbroken due to the unexpected death of another colleague.  I did not know this collegue very well but his story is sad regardless.  I am sad for those who are hurting right now but nothing I can say will make it better.

I just found out today that one of my newly pregnant girlfriends has lost her unborn baby.  No words can heal that kind of loss in my opinion.  There are no words.

Words may not help in the beginning.  I try my best to avoid cliche statements of supposed comfort and just let that person know if they need absolutely anything that I will do it.  Sometimes it can be so difficult to judge how someone handles and copes with their sadness so I normally do my best to not force them to talk if they don't seem comfortable. 

It does take time to overcome sadness but in both of the above situations, I feel like all people who are hurting right now are coping so well.  It seems that everyone is open and willing to communicate how they feel.  I think talking, remembering, and being hopeful for the future are great prescriptions for sadness. 

I may not have the "right" words.  I may not be able to fix the hurt.  All anyone can do is be there and be supportive however you can.

I hope all is well in all your homes. 

Keep on Keepin on.