Long Distance Comforter...

How do you comfort someone that is across the globe from you?

When Nikki and I were dating and she was having a bad day, things were simple. I would make an effort to go where she was and then all I had to do was put my arms around her. I didn't have to say anything—although that often helped as well—because my presence and my actions reminded her that I was there for her and a shoulder for her to lean and cry upon.

It was something I could do. I could take action and be a hero. Now, I find myself in a situation where I am nearly helpless to solve the problem. It's not even my problem to solve, but my heart breaks every moment I think of what the person is going through.

I am referring to Tania, the girl that wrote me back on Facebook in September. Our conversations have continued, our friendship has blossomed, and we've even advanced to telephone conversations, even though she is still in Perth, Australia. Through it all, I have even begun to care for her on a deeper level, although I do not know where that path may lead, if anywhere.

Currently, I am helping her build a website to attract Hollywood talent agents, along with trying to help resolve various visa issues so she can make the move out here. I understand the pain of being unable to follow your dreams and I want to help her remove that obstacle.

In the last few days, I have seen her grow discouraged as various borders have been built up around her. Each moment she speaks in dispair, my heart aches for her more. It's practically killing me that there is little I can do for her!

She says that my words of encouragement are helping, but there is only so much I can do with an ocean the size of the Pacific between us. If not for that body of water, I could put my arms around her and assure her that everything is going to be alright and that she will be in Los Angeles soon. Then I could be her hero.

Perhaps, for now, I'll have to just settle for being a long distance comforter.


Blogged from my iPhone 3G.