Some pains can indeed be relieved, others can only be shared. The most obvious place that this sharing happens is within families, where a web of unchosen obligations between people emerges from the raw connection of flesh and blood. Families, however, need more – they need other people who can walk beside them and share in their sufferings. There are many others who have no family support, and they also need people who are willing to be there alongside them.

The avoidance of pain closes off possibilities in life.