Accompaniment

I've been thinking today about the precious experience of being accompanied through life.  In times of trouble, in times of sorrow, the silent presence of a friend makes life both endurable and survivable.  Someone sitting next to you as a witness to tragedy.  Someone walking next to you in pain.  The touch of a hand on the base of your head, arms embracing you in a comforting hug, shared tears... these things make the aching bearable while your heart shakes and twists away from the pain.  It takes strength to witness deep sorrow, courage to see someone in pain, and faith to let someone creep into the darkness and solicit its solace. And yet, in these times, there is always laughter and joy.  There is the welcome clasp of a hand around yours, a friend who refuses to let you sleep alone, a neighbor who brings over a casserole, or a family member who simply reassures you that they will continue to be by your side.  There is the inexpressable comfort of a well-timed phone call, text message, or visit from the people we love. 
Discovering the importance of being accompanied in this way means that we are living life, and part of living is to experience the depths of its sorrow.  Being accompanied is strong and hopeful.  It's powerful and beautiful.  It's... love.  Simple and true.