Be the change that you want to see in the world.

Mohandas Gandhi

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
Abraham Lincoln

WHEN OTHERS SUFFER

People should never have to suffer loss alone. Yet, how do you comfort

those who mourn? It is no doubt one of the most important things we

can do for one another. And sometimes one of the most difficult.

Experts tell us, among other things, to simply say, "I'm sorry" or "I

love you." They warn us against trying explain away the death or loss;

against theologizing or philosophizing about it. Often, the less said,

the better, so long as you are present, you care and you listen.

American poet Edgar Guest, told of a neighbor by the name of Jim

Potter. Mr.Potter ran the drug store in the neighborhood where Edgar

Guest lived. Their relationship was cordial, if not deep. Mostly they

smiled and exchanged greetings when they happened to see one another.

One tragic night the poet's first-born child died. He felt crushed and

overcome with grief. Several days after the death, Guest had reason to

go to the drug store run by his neighbor. When he entered, Jim Potter

motioned for him to come behind the counter.

"Eddie," he said, "I really can't express to you the great sympathy

that I have for you at this time. All I can say is that I am terribly

sorry, and if you need for me to do anything, you can count on me."

Many years later Edgar Guest reflected on that encounter. He said,

"Just a person across the way -- a passing acquaintance. Jim Potter

may have long since forgotten that moment when he extended his hand to

me in sympathy, but I shall never forget it -- never in all my life.

To me it stands out like the silhouette of a lonely tree against a

crimson sunset."

As the poet thought back to that unhappy time, one vivid memory, just

a brief encounter, shone brightest against a lifetime of memories. It

was a recollection of a moment of genuine comfort from a neighbor.

And it meant the world to a grieving father.

Those who comfort others bring no less than a piece of heaven to

earth.
Steve Goodier
www.lifesupportsystem.com