dyingtohelp.com

You learn that your mother, a friend, a neighbor or a business colleague is seriously ill, serious meaning that death isn’t too far off.

What do you do?

First completely fall apart. Weep hard. Be angry. Cry “why her, why me, why oh why.”

Then it’s time to help. What are you suppose to say? What words and conversations are comforting – and what is well intended but not helpful?

Much more importantly, what should you do – or not?  What can you do to help the person be more comfortable physically and emotionally, make decisions, enjoy little pleasures, wrap up unfinished business, and find joy in the days that are left?  And what small things  inadvertently suck energy from the person you love?

And let’s not forget the caregivers, those angels who are helping the dying and who need just as much help.

This blog’s intent is to share practical advice about helping those who are dying and their caregivers/family, based on the experiences that my sisters, brothers and I are learning every day as we care for our mother Bette, who was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage IV cancer on  Feb 24, 2009.

If you have stories to share please send them to me and we’ll post them up here. Thanks,

Lois Kelly

lkelly@beelinelabs.com

@LoisKelly