Comments on: Too Much Concern for My Dying Friend?

By: Joel

Joel — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:10:44 +0000

Meghan has it right. It Tess is so troubled by her friend’s silence, the way to determine how much is intentional, is by going to Baltimore, for whatever reason, and paying a visit.

By: Jeanne Frye, RN, CHPN

Jeanne Frye, RN, CHPN — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:45:43 +0000

Thanks Judy, and your message is on target. It takes a great amount of energy, both physically and emotionally when engaged in a disease this devastating. It is hard for family and friends to not personalize this, but it really is not about us (the living). Again, I try to reinforce how hard it would be to say goodbye to someone you know you will never see again. How draining would that be?
Tess may be able to send a letter ( I prefer handwritten as it is more personal) that states something along these lines:
1. I love you
2. I am thinking of you daily and sending you prayers of peace and comfort.
3. I am here for you and can be there with you if you or your family needs me
4. I will be ok, I miss you now and will miss you later, but I will be ok.
5. I will always remember you
6. I love you
That’s about all anyone can do.

By: Gaby

Gaby — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:26:01 +0000

Spot on, Judy! Sometimes we become so intent on giving, we forget the person who is supposed to receive.

By: Meghan

Meghan — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:24:15 +0000

Tess should pretend to have other stuff to do in Baltimore. I think her friend doesn’t want to trouble her, but probably will be happy to see her if she’s in town.