I just read a fantastic New York Times article about what to say to someone who is sick. Even after enduring the loss of my brother, I still struggle with what to say to others who are suffering and I absolutely worry about saying the wrong thing. I think this article offers great advice on what to say/do for someone going though a difficult time and also, what not to say/do. Please feel free to share your experiences as the sick/suffering person or how you helped someone in need and we all will benefit!
Love & Blessings,
Brittany
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Brittany,
You don’t know me, but I know your dad. He told me to check out your site. I have a quick comment on the NYT article.
It’s interesting that when other people are suffering (both personally and through family tragedies) friends and family find themselves in an uncomfortable position. We all tend to grow insecure; not knowing whether we will say the right thing or come off looking insensitive, unsympathetic, or just plain oblivious.
While I have not experienced a tragedy on the scale of you and your family, I have lost close friends and continue to have family members suffering from myriad diseases and ailments. Accepting that I will never come off as appropriate, insightful, or profound as I wish I could be, I have resigned myself to the fact that I will never say the right thing, prepare the right food, buy the right gift, or bring as much joy to the other person as I hope I would.
In the end, this means that I am liberated from the lack of confidence that accompanies uncomfortable situations. This makes it much easier for me to catch up with the person (and their family) who is/are suffering more than my compassion can appreciate.
Danny Silva
Brit, I love your blog! It is so special, inspirational, and touching. This article {and your blog} is going to help so many people, including myself. I found myself just yesterday with this dilemma and didn’t know how to handle it. I am so appreciative that you shared it!
Brittany and Hilary, Your blog is an articulate, thoughtful way to honor Jimmy and then “pay it back” to those who have suffered loss. What you offer is how to extend love through simple acts of kindness.
As a recipient of home-baked cinnamon rolls, casseroles and multitudes of other things, each item was truly a gift of unspoken love that gave us such strength to move through the pain of grief.
Well done, girls. Keep going!