Sitting Shivah (seven)

 This seems to me, the way to be present and share with others in their sorrow - illness, etc. 
 
Jewish week-long mourning period when the closet living family members gather in the home of the deceased.  They do not bathe, shave or study Torah.  They simply receive visitors who come bringing food and sharing silence.  Visitors enter silently and wait to be spoken to.  If the grieving family initiates conversation they may reply and share stories of the deceased.  If the family remains silent so will the guests.  The visitors simply offer their presence and nothing else.