How Can I Help? It's a question I suspect we have all asked at one time or another, especially when we learn of a friend's serious diagnosis. Advice abounds on this matter -- and some of it is contradictory. It's easy to become paralyzed with indecision -- not wanting to say or do the wrong thing, yet at the same time wanting to be of help.
This morning, I decided to clean out my extensive multiple myeloma file and found this terrific piece from the April 2013 edition of Real Simple magazine (one of my favorites). Author Didi Gluck (@didigluck on twitter) offers some excellent advice. If you take nothing else from this article, the most powerful sentence is, "I love you, and whatever road you're going down, I'm going down it with you."
While I can't speak to the experience of the patient, this sentiment means a great deal to the family as well. As we approach the five year anniversary of our life with MM, (and Gluck also suggests remembering anniversaries) I reflect on the tremendous support we have received from our network of friends. To this day, many still ask often about how Deana is doing -- those are the friends you know are in this with you, for the long haul. The strength we draw from these friendships and the many thoughts and prayers has been a critical component of our ability to keep charging ahead.
In this file, I found many notes from my friends -- and they warmed my heart all over again.
If you know someone who is in a serious health battle, consider reaching out today, even if the message is a simple, "I'm thinking of you." Trust me, it will be appreciated.
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