Quote from Benjamin Franklin.

I just had a nice long shower and am painting my toenails and waiting for them to dry. I thought I might play another round of RollerCoaster Tycoon 2, but I figured a blog entry should be due.

I never really know what to do when friends are going through an incredible difficult time. Regardless of the situation, I never seem to be the one taking an active role to fight for them, provide for them… The best I seem to do is just to be there for them. My ears ¹ are always available if you need to let something out. My shoulder is always there to be leaned or cried on. My arms will hold firm around you when you need someone to give you that hug or hold you up. I think I never really jump into any active role, for fear that I could make things worse.

For instance, last night, a friend of mine had an explosive fight with her husband in front of friends and family. She was in tears, angry, embarrassed, shocked… anything you could possibly feel in that sort of situation. Her closest guy friend was there for all of it while I was there for just most of it. He helped intervene and step in when necessary while I held her hand, let her squeeze it, let her sob into my chest while I hugged her tight and just stood ² by her. I also cracked the occasional ³ joke here and there, since that’s what I do when situations are tense & stressful.

I never know if it’s enough, but I figure if I were her, I don’t think I could ask for much more. I don’t expect anyone to fight for me or go into something on my behalf, even though I know plenty of people would. At times like that, I just want to feel comforted and secure. I hope I was able to provide that for her, at least.

Unfortunately I couldn’t stay by her side through the end of it since I had to have the car back home for the husband to take to work super early in the morning… I’m still not sure what happened after I left. I just hope she’s okay.