Have you ever felt yourself in that impossible position of feeling helpless at what to do or say for another?

Last night at support group when another individual had their turn to share I was literally at a loss for words in how to respond. This person had such a sad and concerning tale of woe that I found myself speechless. And I was not the only one. The entire circle, who normally readily offers encouraging words or support, was left silent. I ached to do something for the man. All I could muster was to ask if I could touch him (he sat immediately next to me) upon which I touched his shoulder and grasped his hand.

The thing is that what he said truly scared me. The short version of his story was that he had given up and was now waiting for the end. How on earth does one respond to this?