of all the items on the long list of things which bug me, not much tops the helpless, impotent feeling i get when i can't help someone i care about. when i don't know what to say to make it better. when all i can do is hug them and hope all the good feelings i have inside for them transfer into their heart and ease their mind.
i wish i knew what to say. i just want to make it better.
As someone who's been on both sides of that emotion, let me assure you that hugs and good thoughts make a HUGE difference. Don't underestimate the value of affection and support...just keep doing what you're doing.
Sometimes, Fate has its' own ideas as to what's going to happen to someone -- and nothing you can do can change it.
I'm sure whomever you speak of values the simple fact that you're there and do actually care; because that *is* the best thing you can do.
...and if they don't appreciate your being there for them, toss 'em out a window. :-)