- Phone us. Let us know you remember us.
- Offer to pick up groceries when you're going. [This is especially
helpful to single chronically ill folks. But spouses trying to do
the job of two people can get very tired and need a break too.]
- Offer to take children someplace when you're taking your own.
Our kids don't always get to do what other kids do because we're
too ill to take them. Several people do this with my daughter and
I can't tell you how much it helps me. I know she's getting a more
normal life even though it can't be with me.
- If you're handy with a scissors and have hairdressing skills come
visit! <g>. A lot of us can't go into hairdressers because
of the chemicals. We feel very dowdy quite often and could use the
lift.
- Do something with us that we can do. There are so many things
we can't manage but the little things we can sure are nicer if they're
shared. Coffee at the park, a short drive around the town to 'window
shop', are a good change of pace for us.
- Tell us a funny joke or send us a funny card. A Merry heart does
good like a medicine!
- If you have a teenager you could send on loan to mow the yard
we'd think we were in heaven! Or one to wash the windows. Or one
to help baby-sit one Saturday even though we're home too.
- Play cards with us over the computer or other entertaining things
like that.
- Forgive us for being moody or taking too long to return your call.
I have a feeling I may get a whole lot of suggestions for other things
to include on this list. I'll add some when I can. This is only a
few thoughts off the top of my head, things I've had to struggle with
at times and wished there was some wonderful friend out there who
would help. You'd be surprised how hard some of the simplest things
are sometimes and how much of blessing they'd be to us. Thoughtfulness
and understanding is always helpful.