"One of the tasks of true friendship is to listen compassionately
and creatively to the hidden silences.
John O'Donohue
During the holidays I had time to spend with someone I care about, although we don't have a particular bond or connection. I sat quietly listening to her share all the places she had been and who she had seen, but all the while, her eyes were filled with misery.
I was reminded how difficult the holidays can be for individuals in spite of being surrounded by people. The gatherings tend to remind of us of previous gatherings when other loved ones still walked upon this earth. And then there are the hauntings of unexplained happenings while growing up, when we were exposed to situations we had no business being in.
Hidden in the midst of this kind woman's words, there were untold stories of pain and suffering. She was stuck in the pain of why people would choose to treat her so terribly. It seemed to be crippling her, preventing her from physically moving forward both emotionally or physically. I held her hand; shed tears; and told her how sorry I was. None of which lifted her sagging spirits. Let us be mindful of our friends who suffer by using our compassion to send prayers, cover them with new energy and light or to take the time to send a quick note.
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