She sat near the end of the pew. Alone. She sat by herself, alone except for the many parishioners who witnessed her and her now-deceased husband go through the trials of his bout with cancer. He passed away just a couple of weeks ago.

As people walked by her, some would touch her shoulder and smile. She acknowledged their kindness with nods and smiles. My wife and I sat behind her. When my wife leaned over the back of the pew to offer support, the new widow pulled my wife closer and hung onto her. I watched the two women in a hug of sorts, separated by the back of a pew. I witnessed healing, support and the simple statement of “I’m here for you.” 

The woman has a long journey ahead. The pats on the shoulder, the smiles and the hugs, will remind her that she is not alone. People should remind each other that. Remind others, in one way or another, that you’re there for them, to celebrate their joy and to carry their burdens, to honor their achievements and to lighten their loads. It can be as simple as a smile to a stranger or specific types of support for a friend. A listening ear, a comforting hand or a hug that provides consolation or celebration can make all the difference in a person’s day.

In this society of “friends” and “followers,” people are more alone than ever according to polls and studies. The issue is a concern for all age groups. Maybe we can all chip away at the problem one smile at a time.