When I met Melanie, she was on her way to the station.

She explained that she was going to meet a friend whose dad had just died. They would probably have a few drinks, a few hugs, and, no doubt, shed a few tears.

I was a little surprised. You see, Melanie’s own dad died just a week ago.

Would she be in a position to comfort anyone else, when her own emotions were still so raw? Then a little wisdom came over me – who better?

There would be no lack of understanding, no pretence, no distance from the pain. They would meet each other in their still-raw grief – and know that they were not alone!

I said something like that to Melanie and she added: “Don’t forget the laughs!”

Indeed, I thought. Crying together helps us cross the river of grief, laughing together lifts us out on the other side.