calls, cards and visits. Many sought to comfort me. The English word “comfort” suggests easing, soothing, relieving, cheering, moderating, strengthening and inspiring with hope one who, like me, has suffered great loss. The prayers of Christians play a vital role in comforting, as does the presence of family and friends with their encouraging words and thoughtful deeds. Many people were kind and thoughtful. They shed tears and hugged me or shook my hand firmly as if to say, “We love you, hurt with