Sometimes all you can be is sad

When people you love go through hard things, and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.  When you have been through similar situations in your own life; and you think if you could possibly talk to them, and tell them how you made it out of the rough spot, so they could do it the same way...but that doesn't work, because what worked for me, probably wont work for them, because really when it comes right down to it, we all have our own paths, and we have to maneuver our way through this life, making decisions and mistakes as individuals.  And while we might gain insight, or glean some wisdom from others experiences, or find comfort in a good self help novel or a blog, ultimately we are the ones that decide.  We are the captains of our own ships, and all our loved ones can do from the shore is watch as it is tossed to and fro, and hope and pray that it will make it safely to its destination.  That it wont get overturned and broken up by the turmoil of a violent ocean, or predators that lay low, hiding and waiting. When we see the sign that the sail is up...and the vessel is moving at a good speed, cutting its way through the unknown, .. it is only then that we can take heart and feel at peace and know our loved one is going to be OK and enjoy their journey... it is sincerely my hope that they will...