If you know someone going through a rough time and you feel bad for them, do something. Pity isn't wanted by anyone. Pity doesn't help. Pity might make us feel like we're human but people need us to show them they aren't alone. If you can give a meal, give a meal. If you can fulfill one of their needs, fulfill that need. It doesn't have to be big.
We can't take away people's grief but we can remind them we hurt for them and we will help them. When our daughte died in 2013, many reached out to us in unique ways. Each gesture was able to bring some measure of comfort. It reminded us people cared. It reminded us God loved us. It reminded us we weren't alone.
One person sent us a book of stamps. That came in handy for all the thank-yous that had to be written.
Another person bought us groceries. Tons of people brought food. Others made sure our other kids were cared for. People I hadn't seen in years showed up and gave us hugs. A bunch of my daughter's classmates had made her get well cards that were delivered to us. Those were so sweet.
No gesture is too small when someone needs to be reminded they aren't alone.
Don't tell yourself that thought you had about doing something is stupid or wouldn't mean anything. Take a chance. Love on that person. Sometimes little practical things are exactly what someone needs done. It might not seem like a big deal to you, but to the person who receives your gift of service, it will mean a lot.
Possibly after you give you might not hear anything about it from the person. Give that person time. Sometimes situations are so overwhelming that we can existing in a fog and not aware of what's going on. It was only after several months that I began remember some of the details of the days leading us to my daughter's death.
"Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2