Loss
My friend suffered a terrible loss in their family. There is no easy way to help. It's like watching a accident occur from your car window as you pass buy. You want to get out and help but, what exactly would you do to help? What role do you play? Would you just get in the way or possibly make it all worse.
I've had these thoughts over and over again. Of course, that is overthinking, in the end my role is to be there. Just stand there, be ready. It is not easy. It's hard not to call on them every morning. To check and see if they would like me there at every hour. I know they are with family and they will call when they need me. It is not easy.
My mother, when she was young, went through a similar loss. I talked to her wondering if there might be something I could say. She sniffled a bit, sympathizing with what my friend was going through, and said "Nothing you can really say, maybe... I'm sorry for your loss." Compared to the gravity of such a situation that simple, rough sentence never appealed to me. Just didn't seem to do it justice. I think now though, that is sorta of the point. It doesn't capture it all. It could never do such a thing. Written word doesn't do pain like that much justice.
But you say it anyway because that about the only thing you can. So... to my friend, I'm sorry for your loss. I'll be here, always, for you.