I Hate it When My Friends Are Hurting

Ugh...to get a text from a friend who is upset: not fun.

I'm the only one I want to see with something screwy and not fun going on in their life. I'm the only one I want to see wondering about different aspects of life and how it ended up this way. I'm the only one I want to see depressed because of different situations.

It isn't that I wish horrible situations on myself. It's just that if it has to happen I would rather be the one experiencing it so my friends don't have to.

It makes me cry to know a friend is hurting. It makes me want to take the weight of the world on myself so no one else has to experience it and they can breeze through life.

But then what is life without trial? And can we really experience life without the pain to help us appreciate the joy that much more?

At least I can be there for my friends as they deal with the painful parts of life. At least I have been there so I can be there for them that much more. At least they know I'm here to lend a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, someone to share laughter with, a helping hand. At least they know that I empathize with them and wish the best for them.

At least they know I care.