Your dad was like a spring in the desert. We both worked in the B2B media industry, and after we realized both of us were Christians, he reached out to connect on this deeper level.

Our shared faith became the basis of our friendship as we talked about balancing work and family, witnessing in the workplace, and how we wanted to live our lives in a way that pleased God. We didn’t know many other believers in our media circles, so we agreed we needed to stick together!

On one of our recent calls, your dad’s deep well of compassion and love overflowed in a way that deeply touched me. I had lost my wife to a stroke two years ago, and he always asked me how I was doing. This time, as I explained how hard it had been, he apologized for the tears he was shedding.

I told him there was no apology necessary and that I appreciated his tender heart. He was such a comfort to me.

I know your poor mom is now in the same situation. And you all are in the same place my kids have been, too.

It is a long, hard road, but the most comforting things I have done are to talk about my sadness with trusted friends and do things that bring me peace.

Scripture has so many great verses that also offer comfort. Here’s one of my favorites:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

—Psalm 34:18, NLT

May the Lord be near all of you.