Stories of Kindness from Around the World

A Warm Embrace And Presence


--by lovelightbug, posted Jun 5, 2012

It was a usual day at the hospital.

I was running around doing what I needed to get done for my patients. Then I stopped in my tracks because I could feel my cell phone vibrating in my pocket. I almost always keep my phone on. In the event of an emergency my family and friends can that way get in touch with me.

It was an emergency.

There was a death in my family. I couldn't move. I couldn't think. I was excused early from work that day, but came home to an empty apartment and didn't know what to do next. I cried. I didn't know if I wanted to be alone or phone my close friend. I didn't know if I should have bothered my friend. Death is a sensitive subject for some people. Different people handle it in different ways. 

What does one say? What does one do? After deliberating for a bit, I finally decided to just call my friend.

I was so glad I did. Without a second thought, my friend simply said, "I'll be right over."

I opened the door and just fell apart all over again. But just having my friend there, holding me in silence, meant the world to me. Being there, and being present, meant so much during that difficult time. A hug and the presence of a warm and caring heart. In that moment, it was all I needed.

I am so very grateful for that.

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Readers Comments

Ramya wrote: A lot of people don't know how to express their grief when someone close is going through such deep pain. Sometimes it is enough just to be there. No need to speak or do anything big. Your experience highlighted that. Thank you for sharing.
jsmc10 wrote: Thank you for sharing this, grief is such a hard process, i know this from personal experience, stay strong and i'm sure people from here will be there for you aswell if you want to talk, i know i'm always here for you :)
Amy wrote: When i lost my son to suicide 4 years ago, i called my best friend who is a l/d rn and she immediately left the hospital to be with me. That is what true friendship is all about. Some people come into our lives for a short time and pretend to be our friends and others are their for a lifetime. Hold on to your dear friends, in good times and well as difficult times.
Blessed2BKind wrote: Sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories and hang in there. Blessings to you, your family & your friend. Kind regards,
starryskies wrote: I'm sorry for your loss. Your story really touched my heart. Lots of love and hugs to you during this time.
Sisip wrote: I recently had the same thing happen and it feels great not to be alone doesn't it. A good friend is the best to have, to talk about, or just sit together in silence. Bless you and your dear friend!
Baxter wrote: A long hug with no words is the best feeling in the world. When my husband died from cancer at the tender age of 58 last year, the person who gave me a silent hug was better than any words could have expressed. You're lucky to have such a good friend. And angel in human form.
cabbage wrote: Thank you for letting us know that just being there can help someone during this difficult time--because sometimes we want to help but don't know what to say, and it's good to know that it's the presence that matters, not the words. I'm keeping you in my heart and prayers and am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you.
sandra wrote: First, let me say that god has many ways of soothing a grief. I pray for you in the loss of your family member.

But i also want to add something very personal: you said " a hug and the presence of a warm and caring heart". Those words were a wake up call for me. My daughter and family, including a small grandchild, just a few days ago lost their home and all its contents to a fire while they were away - i immediately prayed a thankful prayer that god made sure they weren't home so only everything tangible was destroyed, but their lives were spared. I opened my home to them, as any mother would do. But your words had an impact on my life: reading your message tonight, i realize i too need to give out more hugs, more often, so that they may also feel my warm caring heart. Thank you so much for sharing your story of grief with us, as well as what helped you through those first few hours. Bless you and your friend.
JoyNow wrote: You are so lucky to have a friend like that. The times i remember being most comforted during stressful times have been when someone was just totally present and there for me. No words needed. I wish you good memories, love and joy.

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