The Problem with Pain ...

... is that it cannot be actually shared or taken on by others for even one moment. That is perhaps the most agonizing part for friends and relatives. They must stand at a slight distance, knowing the agony,but only in part, weeping. Cycling through the hours of wishing they could take the pain on themselves, make things better, and the bitterest pill of all is that there is nothing to be done, except stand against the darkness ... pray our friends into the light ... and extend hope.