In times of personal struggles most of us turn to family and friends for comfort, support, counsel, relief. It can be hard to open up and share intimate personal details because it puts us in a state of vulnerability. Some people soldier on alone - bearing their struggles in solitude. The course is personal preference, neither one being right or wrong, just personal.
I am the kind of person who looks to others to help me through hard times. This week has been especially hard. My sisters and I have been faced with the decline in health of our beloved mother. We have been brave and supportive. Each of us different and our reaction to our circumstance has been varied. The emotional toll has been great.
During this time I have found simple words of comfort have had the greatest impact. Simple words of comfort are the best. They have been delivered by those close to me and by random people I have encountered during the weeks journey - the young nurse who selflessly cared for my mom and who spoke gently to us and to our mom as she administered to her needs. The woman in the elevator who simply said, "I hope whoever you are visiting is at peace." These encounters along with the many conversations I have had over the course of the week have made me remember the great impact our words have on others, on each other.
The words we choose to use are powerful. At this moment it all seems so simple to me - we should strive to use our powers for good.
Sometimes, the best way to help someone is to just be near them.
Magda
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