In the event you do not know what to do, just try something.
There are many flags that shows us someone is in need of help, the key is do we notice those flags? Most of us do not.
We just take mild confusion, changing circumstances, lack of this or that as normal every day occurrences. We all experience them, so what’s the big deal. There are ups, then downs. I get by, they should too.
But how does that work for your parent? Or a friend who has illness. How does that work for the neighbor that lost their spouse and now is all alone for the first time? How do they get by? Who do they ask for help? Would they even ask for help? Many wouldn’t. To them it’s a sign of weakness instead of just being human, with ups and downs.
This is where you can do something. You can help. Say hello. Ask questions. Get involved. Do something.
My mother in law is alone. Most of her friends have passed. She lives 1700 miles away in hot sunny Florida. We live in a suburb of Chicago with a variety of weather. She wanted to come North until her daughter said no – we won’t take care of you. Yet she told her for over 10 years that they would. Now the mother in law is staying in Florida – alone. She likes the warm weather and has friends, a few old ones. But that number is dwindling. It is now down to her and 3 familiar friends.
If I had a family that threw me away I guess I’d do the same. I’d stay somewhere far away from the ones that don’t want me. I am the daughter in law. The one trying to help her. Trying to get her help, any way I can. Trying to line up other housing for her if she gets ill. I am calling everywhere. Trying to find things to help her, when her own children aren’t concerned.
Last week I called her and asked about her food situation. She was low on lots of things. I had an online order going while we talked. I got her food and things for her, and things for her cats. The groceries came in 4 different deliveries. I never knew deliveries could make a person so happy, but it did. She told me she always saw the delivery trucks going through her neighborhood to others, but not to her. But this time, it was about her. She was so very happy.
These small things can mean the world to someone else. Little tiny things. Just to let someone know they aren’t alone. To put a smile on someone else’s face. It’s not hard to do. It doesn’t have to cost a lot. It’s simple. Just Try. Kindness – It’s free to give, yet barely given.
Today I bought a girlfriend a small bouquet of flowers. It cost less then $5 and it put a smile on her face. It’s about the gesture of kindness. Small things. Nice things. Why don’t you try it.
Categories: Caregiver Helping others Parent Senior
