Over the past few months, I’ve had many people going through very difficult times in their lives. Loved ones passing away, others that are suffering watching a loved one slip from the person they used to be. None of it is easy to be with or watch happen.
It has brought back my family caregiving days and wanting so badly to ‘fix’ things as they were happening to Mom. Some days and moments were more difficult than others. I had wonderful people in my life to support me and many that just didn’t know how to. I feel at times myself watching others go through similar times at a loss for how to support them.
When I read this blog post What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say from the Bay Area Cancer Connections written by Hildy Agustin, Psy.D., it rang true in so many ways. It is important that I share this with you hopefully be able to support you, and perhaps you can share this with others in your life too.
This one point particularly stood out for me; “Let the other person know that they’re not alone. You don’t have to fix it, don’t have to explain it, don’t have to do anything at all. All you have to let them know that you’re on their side.”
It is my hope if you are in the California Bay Area that you will be able to join us on our weekly walks in partnership with our Affiliate Bay Area Cancer Connections. These easy hour-long walks give you the ability to connect with other family caregivers and just ‘be’. It is one of the most heartwarming hours I spend during my week. For more information and to sign up visit the Breathing Spaces website.
Be well,
Cyndi