When you feel helpless...

As someone who tends to show their emotions through some gestures of understanding, appreciation and compassion, when I'm not able to concretely do something in the midst of someone's suffering, I can't help but feel a sense of helplessness that only amplifies my feelings.

A case in point, the mother of a friend of mine I deeply respect passed away over the weekend, and because she is someone I'm not necessarily close with, I didn't know how to show my support for her in this undoubtedly difficult time in her life.

It's an experience, I'm sure many people have faced in their lives; going through the experience of a death of a loved one is never easy. But often, at least with the people I am very close with, you're able to support them throughout the process, standing by them as they prepare for the funeral, helping them with some of the preparations and special presentations celebrating the life of the person who has moved on to the next life.

With this most recent situation, it seems so hollow and empty to simply say you're sorry, and you offer your condolences. But then again, that could simply be me--someone who has grown to show rather than simply tell.

The one thing, for sure, that I can appreciate about my friend is that the sheer outpouring of support from so many people in the past few days is truly a reflection of how important her life is, and the life of her mother. Because of her mother, in good times and bad, everything has culminated into this moment where the importance, influence and heart of the daughter reflects on the importance of the mother.

Of course, there is always two sides to every coin, and because I am not close, close friends with my friend, I don't know everything, but for me, I find that's hardly the point. Life, no matter who it is, is valuable and precious, and 99.9% of the time, people do want and are able to create value in their lives and make some positive contribution to society. I see my friend as someone who has done great things with her life, as someone who continues to contribute to her community, and support others in many, many ways. That does not happen "by accident" and her warmth, compassion, wisdom and courage is a reflection of her mother's.

May she not only rest in peace, but her daughter continue to grow, expand her life, and continue to live the noble life she leads.