How many times had I uttered that question? You know someone is in need, but feel helpless to do anything. When youre on the receiving end of the question, sometimes it's all you can do just to bite your tongue and smile. What else can you say... actually, can you please liase with my dads doctors, coordinate visits, take time off work and take him to the appointment. That would be really helpful. Or could you please call him 4x a day to remind him to take his pill, remindin him each time why he needs to take his pills. It can get really annoying to watch the clock and drop everything to make that call at 8, 12, 4 and 8.
So there are something's you just can't call and ask someone else to do. Next time you feel like uttering the question ... stop yourself ... and think before speaking. Helping someone out doesn't need to be that obvious. Slip someone a gift card to a bookstore, a coffee shop, a spa. Treat them to something they wouldn't necessarily do for themselves. I remember receiving a gift card to a spa. The gesture alone made me cry. To me it meant that someone saw my struggle and wanted to give me a lift. Someone else gave me a coffee gift card. Which meant that a few times I was out running dad errands, I got to treat myself to a drink.
People will not tell you what they need you to do. At least not my type! We just need to open our eyes to see another's need. I speak for myself as well. Flowers delivered, dinner delivered - even if it is just pizza, a homemade loaf, errands run, pile of magazines. All it takes is for someone to feel special - and that alone can lift the burden.
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