Ides of September

My kiddos have been in school about a month.  I talked with my sister yesterday, her kiddos started after labor day ... while the conversation was a little hard, no harder than other conversations I have had as I am not the greatest at conversing.  I absorb from her so much pain; I just wish I knew if it reduces her burden at all.  I could hardly get anything done today and there was little that had to be done.  She is having the impressions that she just needs to be patient right now.  That is easier said than done, but it must be the right thing for her right now.  Well-meaning folks have been giving her leads on job opportunities, but none of them have been right for somebody with kids the age hers are.  In my various readings, I collect quotes that I think might be uplifting to her.  And, pass them along.  I want to do something, but am too far and can't think of what would be helpful to a 43 yr old widow.  It isn't fair that she misses him so.  It isn't fair that the things that she misses about him, I bite my tongue when I think that at least she had those qualities for 20 years.  Some of us are still aching for understanding and feeling understood.  And absorb the 1 negative and forget the 20 positive comments.  Enduring to the end ain't easy.