A-Z 2013 - Being There

"What would you like me to do?" "Can I help?" "Just give me a call, if you need me." While meant with good intentions, sometimes -- well, most times -- it would be better to just do something without waiting for instruction. Whatever the problem that instigates the offer, the person you want to help is probably not able to think clearly and deciding what you can do to help is often more than they can face, so they say it's okay, everything's fine, you go on your way, and nothing's done.

A very dear friend demonstrated just how important it can be to simply take charge and handle the little things that need to be done when someone you care about is going through a traumatic situation. While we may like to feel our lives are unique, we all perform the same basic rituals to get through our days -- shopping, cleaning, washing clothes, ironing, yard work, etc. -- well, you get the idea. A simple regular task done for them can mean so much to someone dealing with grief. Setting up a clipboard to keep track of things to do -- people to call, food brought by whom and in what container -- may seem so obvious that no one actually gets one set up! Don't wait to be told, take charge and do what you can for them. It's really nothing more than what you would like to have done for you. 

Finis

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