When a woman is in unbearable pain, the first thing she needs is for someone to see her — not fix her, not solve all her problems — just be with her and listen. This is the second segment in a four-part series of stories and quotes from the NAOMI community, compiled by Community Director Sara Cardwell.

I want someone to tell me what to do to make the pain go away. There are those who tell me what I should do to clean up my mess, but no one can bear to be with me when I try to acknowledge the pain. 

Sometimes I wish everyone would leave me alone, but I also can’t stand being by myself. That’s why even when they hurt me, I put up with it and drown myself in helping everyone around me.

Who can deal with the uncomfortableness of my pain?

The NAOMI community derives its name from a remarkable friendship between two women who suffered great loss but chose to encourage, support and serve one another as they journeyed on the path to healing and rebuilt their lives.

Healing happens in relationship.