In my blog, “Paying it Forward” (11/11/10), DRay posted, “I believe in karma … If I cannot do grand, sweeping gestures, I can still do little things, like letting a car merge or leaving a quarter in the shopping cart lock so the next person doesn't need to search for one ... Living with arthritis, I find myself needing help from strangers (a large curb, a tightly locked gas cap). Therefore it seems only fitting that I do what I can for whomever I can if only to pay back in my head the kindness I have felt in my heart.”
Last spring, I wrote a blog about my support group, F.A.C.T., and the valuable friendships between us. Knowing others understand and will be supportive during the difficult challenges of arthritis is a comfort beyond words. (See blog, “It’s a F.A.C.T.” 3/15/10)
Recently, I sent the following e-mail to my FACTees who willingly joined in the effort. Their gesture was received as a positive means of support and truly touched the heart of a friend who is sick and scared. Although the people who signed the cards were strangers, their message was heartfelt!
“In the spirit of giving and the ‘FACT’ that we support one and other, I'm asking you to join me in giving support to our friends/family who are facing health concerns and unknown fears this holiday season.
Monday I received an e-mail informing me of a friend who is dealing with a severe strep infection in her foot. She was hospitalized for 10 days, returning home this week. Her foot is covered in blisters, extremely painful, swollen and she's unable to walk. Home health care comes twice a day to change the bandages and a physical therapist visits daily. Given she has a history with arthritis and two joint replacements, there is reason for great concern. Needless to say, due to the fears of the unknown, she is also struggling with an onset of depression. (I've known a number of people across the country with similar experiences and in two cases it's taken more than a year to heal. Not too mention the numerous risks involved due to having an autoimmune disorder.)
I'm asking you to keep her in your prayers, but also to take it one step further and send a get-well wish to let her know she is not alone. Whether it's a Christmas card, a plain sheet of paper or a sticky note, imagine the support we as a group can give this time of year. Sign your name and in parenthesis put (a friend of Annette's) to eliminate any concerns by the volume of mail from strangers.”
If you know someone facing an illness or needs to know they are not alone, I encourage you to share this idea within your group, organization or circle of friends to send a message of hope. It’s not a grand gesture, but it could be the little thing that makes a big difference.
Feel free to share ideas and other ways to give support or tell about kind gestures you’ve received. (Due to privacy and safety concerns, please do not post mailing and/or e-mail addresses on this blog.)
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