I remember the phone call vividly. The sound of your voice told me you had been sobbing. The kind of news that made me desperately wish I could climb through the phone and hug you. I was speechless at that moment when I should have had all the right words for your heart. I know the words I did speak did not remedy the pain you felt. For that, I am so sorry.

I know there will be many more times when my words fall short, and I will feel like I have just failed you in the hardest part of your life. Even in my best attempt, I know I cannot fully understand.

So, when that happens, here are some very important things I need you to know:

I need you to know I will always answer the phone.

I need you to know, no matter what our phone call entails, my heart breaks each time we hang up.

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I need you to know I weep for you.

Because I am proud of you.

Because I hurt for you. 

Because I cannot change what you are going through.

I see you nod your head as I offer words of advice that undoubtedly fall short. However, I hope my presence never does. I hope you know I will sit with you in silence, in tears, in anger, and in prayer as many times as you call and for as long as you need.

I hope you know the drive is never too far when the Band-Aid you need is pizza, chocolate, and girl talk.

I hope you know I hurt with you.

I am sad with you.

I am happy with you in the small victories.

Most of all, I hope you know I pray for you.

I am on my knees for you as if it were my own battle. Because you know what? Our friendship is so much a part of me, I cannot be totally at peace until you have won this battle. And, sweet friend, there will be victory.

If I had the answers, I would share with you the secret.

I hope you know you inspire me. When you smile through the pain and even when you break down and cry. You inspire me with your grace, your faith, and your strength in this battle and in this life.

Lastly, I hope you know I won’t ever give up on you.

I hope you know I won’t let you give up on yourself. 

I promise to help you rediscover who you are after this is all said and done. Because I assure you, you cannot walk away as the same person you were before.

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You will be stronger. Braver. Wiser. 

What has broken you down will only make you kinder and more compassionate.

Your story will be redemptive. The kind of story that makes hearts spring to life and gives hope to those who need it the most.

I hope you know you are loved by me, and by so many others.

When words fall short, these are the things I need you to know.