Just mailed this to Betty, may help others in her situation. Also coming
form someone who often doesn't know what to "do", and has a hard time
accepting/asking for help when needed. warning--some of these are kind of
gorky!
Hope all have a great weekend,
Laura
25 PRACTICAL TIPS TO HELP THOSE FACING A SERIOUS ILLNESS
>
> 1) Don't avoid me. Be the friend...the loved one you've always
> been.
> 2) Touch me. A simple squeeze of my hand can tell me you still
> care.
> 3) Call me to tell me you're bringing my favorite dish and
> what time you are coming. Bring food in disposable containers,
> so I won't worry about returns.
> 4) Take care of my children for me. I need a little time to be
> alone with my loved one. My children may also need a little
> vacation away from my illness.
> 5) Weep with me when I weep. Laugh with me when I laugh. Don't
> be afraid to share this with me.
> 6) Take time out for a trip, but know my limitations.
> 7) Call for my shopping list and make a "special" delivery to
> my home.
> 8) Call me before you visit, but don't be afraid to visit. I
> need you. I am lonely
> 9) Help my family. I am sick, but they may be suffering. Offer
> to come stay with me to give my loved ones a break. Invite
> them out. Take them places.
> 10) Help me celebrate holidays (and life) by decorating my
> hospital room or home or bringing me tiny gifts of flowers or
> other natural treasures.
> 11) Be creative! Bring me a book of thoughts, taped music, a
> poster for my wall, cookies to share with my family
> and.friends...an old friend who hasn't come to visit me.
> 12) Let's talk about it. Maybe I need to talk about my
> illness. Find out by asking me : "Do you feel like talking
> about it?"
> 13) Don't always feel we have to talk. We can sit silently
> together.
> 14) Can you take me or my children somewhere I may need
> transportation to a treatment....to the store...to a doctor.
> 15) Help me feel good about my looks. Tell me I look good,
> considering my illness.
> 16) Please include me in a decision. I've been robbed of so
> many things. Please don't deny me a chance to make decisions
> in my family...in my life.
> 17) Talk to me of the future. Tomorrow, next week, next year.
> Hope is so important to me.
> 18) Bring me a positive attitude. It's catching!
> 19) What's in the news? photos, newspapers, verbal
> reports, keep me from feeling the world is passing me by.
> 20) Could you help me with some cleaning? During my illness,
> my family and I still face: dirty clothes, dirty dishes, dirty
> house.
> 21) Water my flowers.
> 22) Just send a card to say "I care."
> 23) Pray for me.
> 24) Tell me what you would like to do for me and, when I
> agree, please do it!
>
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