I wrote a text to a friend today to check on his partner who has cancer. He thanked me and I followed up with \u201cPlease let me know what I can do to help\u201d.<\/p>\n
Nice words, and I\u2019ll bet everyone who reads this has said them at some time in their life. I have said it several times to this friend. Today, I wrote a second sentence, \u201cCan I make you some dinners?\u201d To this I got an immediate and enthusiastic \u201cYes!\u201d.<\/p>\n
If your heart is in a place of offering help, please be aware that sometimes the one you are reaching out to may be overwhelmed and not know what to ask for. Offer up whatever you are good doing. The more specific the offer, the more likely it will be accepted. In trying times, it can be difficult for someone to accept help or reach out and ask for it.\u00c2\u00a0 We all have these moment when we need to be superhuman for our loved one who is injured or ill, or going through a rough patch.\u00a0 But the caregiver must get care as well.\u00a0 It\u2019s always okay to ask for help. Remember the old saying, \u201cA problem shared, is a problem halved\u009d\u201d.<\/p>\n
When you are aware of someone going through something, whether it\u2019s their own struggle or that of their loved one, I truly believe asking gently how they are is the best first step. Actively listen and allow them to lead the conversation.\u00a0 This time talking with you could be a respite, or it could be an interruption.\u00a0 You will know.<\/p>\n
At the end of the conversation, say, \u201cwhat can I do to help?\u201d\u009d and then follow it up with, \u201cI would love to come take your dog out\u201d\u009d or \u201cI have a new soup recipe. I\u2019m going to make a big batch and bring some to you tomorrow, what\u2019s a good time?\u201d\u009d and perhaps the most helpful, \u201cI adore your mom and would love to spend some time with her, how about I come over tomorrow and sit with her and you go out for a walk or lunch?\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
The specific offer will likely yield a positive result.\u00a0 Do what you can to help, it will be appreciated beyond measure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I wrote a text to a friend today to check […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":218,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[203],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-334","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n