Thursday, July 14, 2016

Five Things to Do

We often talk in our mentor group about how to help others when there 
is illness or other hard times. During this time of the Gardener being so 
sick we've experienced the care of community first hand.  
I notice five things that we especially appreciated.

1. Friends and family checking in on us with a text or email rather
than a phone call.  A note or card in the mail is sweeter still. 
Occasionally phone calls are fine but often we were too tired to talk.
2. Friends reminded us that they were there if we needed anything, 
even suggesting ways they could help.
 I know they meant it and felt free to call on them. 
3. We didn't need meals but an occasional break for me was nice. 
4. I appreciated encouragement for me through
a bountiful bouquet of flowers. 
See how they multiplied and I barely missed a small nosegay
I took to an elderly friend in a nursing home on her birthday. 
(Note to self: be sure to save small jars for giving flowers to others).
5. People that pray assured us of their prayers.
How much that meant to us!

20 comments:

  1. Dotsie, I'm so glad you are surrounded by loving, caring friends. Little things mean so much in time of need. I do hope all is much better now for your husband. ♥

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  2. Comforting post. Encouraged to hear The Gardener is on the mend and continuing prayers.

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  3. Often people are unsure of what to do, or say and your five suggestions are gratefully accepted. A good support group is a blessing in a time of need and I'm happy for you that yours was willing and able.

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  4. These are all such good ideas. We live in a 55 plus community so we have lots of opportunities to show our concern to our neighbors. Take care! Sweet hugs, Diane

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  5. These are a good 5 things. I think number one is especially helpful. Many would think that a text of email is too impersonal, but I know I often prefer it to the phone as it allows the person to answer as they are available, and as you said not have to talk it they don't feel up to it!

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  6. Podso,
    Even the smallest act of kindness, never goes unnoticed, dear friend!
    Prayers are coming your way daily for the Gardener and his renewing health!
    Hoping that he is up and about in the very near future!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  7. Little things can make someone's day and life so much better. All the best!

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  8. Good and practical five when someone is suffering. Encouragement is a good. A fresh prayer for your Gardener as I read your post and type my comment to our God who heals.

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  9. What an amazing five, so very helpful. Hope the Gardener continues to improve, take care.

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  10. It is wonderful to have such a loving support group. I'm sure many were reciprocating the kindness they've received from you. I hope the Gardener is totally well now.

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  11. It's sounds like you have a wonderful group of supportive family and friends. It really helps. I hope the Gardener continues to improve.

    Have a good weekend

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  12. How lovely to know there is help at hand should you need it. :-)

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  13. I am so glad to know that you have friends and family and those who care around you to care for and support and cheer you on. That really is wonderful and something to be thankful for and glad about. I am very glad for you!! Not that you need the love, but that you have the love. I am adding and sending mine across the airwaves to you. Hugs! Thank you for joining Five On Friday, I hope you have a great weekend! xx

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  14. It is the little things, isn't it... just to know you are being thought of and support is there if needed. So glad to hear your Gardener is getting better. Have a peaceful and calm week!

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  15. Nothing can beat the way friends rally round to comfort us in times of need, your friends have found many small ways to let you know they care.
    Wishing the Gardener a swift recovery and some quiet peaceful time for you to enjoy this week.

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  16. Glad you received the help and care you needed when you have needed it most. I hope everthing is getting there now and wish you all a speedy recovery. Leah x

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  17. Beautiful photos and a beautiful list of things to do to help those who are going through difficult times. Texting is one thing my dad appreciated when he was hospitalized for a heart attack a few months ago. He was thrilled to get texts from his grandchildren. They seem less intrusive than phone calls, and can be answered immediately or later.

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  18. I am visiting via Amy's Five on Friday. So sorry you're having difficulties, it does sound like you have a lot of love and support. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  19. Thanks for sharing a list of supportive things folks are doing to help you. It encourages me to be better at helping those around me that need help. Email and texts have been a blessing to me at times, too! Cheering you and your family on as the Gardener heals. xx

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  20. Thank you for this "thoughtful" list. When friends and family go through difficult times, it's easy to say, "call me if you need anything," but how lovely to have friends think of concrete ways to be encouraging and helpful. And of course, I was surprised to see and loved seeing my card! I have one sitting on my desk to finish up and send to you (you saw it on Inst).

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