How to Help a Friend Who Is Ill-Remain Connected

If you are unable to visit your friend because of distance or some other circumstances, you can call him up for a friendly chat, write a note, or send an e-mail. What can you write about?  Alan D. Wolfelt,  a grief counselor, suggests:  "Reminisce about some of the fun times you've shared. Promise you'll write . . .again soon-and then follow through on that promise."

You need not hold back from reaching out to a friend who is ill, fearing that you may say the wrong thing or make mistakes. In many cases, it is your presence that really counts in her book, Lori Hope writes:  "All of us say and do things that can be misconstrued or can in some way inadvertently hurt someone.  That's not the problem.  The problem arises when you are so afraid of making a mistake that you stay away from someone who needs you." 

A friend who is seriously ill may need you now more than ever. Prove to be "a true companion."  Your efforts to help may not make his pain disappear, but you may well make a difficult situation more bearable for someone you love.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH-She Opened Her Heart to God in Prayer

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010