As I age, I find that I have more time to focus on the things that are actually very important, friends and family.
I recently have come across many friends that are going through personal health challenges. Partly it is my age and the people I call friends at this time in my life. My dad frequently said to me, "getting old is not for sissies", and that old adage means more to me now than ever. There are difficult challenges as we age, we can't escape them fully.
It gives me pause to stop and reflect on how I can be a better friend. We live in a society that is filled with angst and when someone becomes ill, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Very easy.
My thoughts on supporting someone in need: frequent phone calls/texts, schedule time with them, drop off food or snacks, send sweet/funny/spiritual thoughts from FB or?, laughter means a lot. Take people to the store, if needed or pick up groceries, take someone out for a manicure or pedicure. Remember it takes 88 touches per day to feel human. Last, but not least, just go sit by the bed in the stillness of the room and hold their hand.
These are my thoughts and I always hope that I can live up to them. We all have different ideas on illness and aging, but just try to be there for someone in need.