This week’s is difficult, as we want to talk about when a friend or relative falls seriously ill, possibly with no happy ending in sight. Stories like this are playing out around us all the time, and you never know who is hiding one behind the face that they present to the rest of the world. That doesn’t hide that fact that there are few things in the world more heartbreaking than seeing someone you love go through suffering. Secondly, another one. Thirdly, just a few things that have been useful to us over the years in this situation. We’re no experts, but hopefully there’s something here that’s of use to you. Next, crying. Because what you’re going through is tough, and as much as you may try and act otherwise, you’re a human being. There’s no weakness in crying. Making time at least for a good, proper, ugly, guttural cry every day is no bad thing to do. Talking to people, that’s on the list too. Friends and relatives: talk to them. Don’t hide your feelings, and try not to let them hide theirs. A difficult situation is rarely made easier by bottling things up. Finally, and lord, this is one of the hardest things of all to wrap our head around, so we can’t promise this is easy for you either. But things go on. Even if the worst happens, the sun still rises. It may feel bleak, it may feel like there’s nothing but darkness ahead of you. Please talk. Because as brutal as life can be sometimes, it does go on. Things, as much as they may feel otherwise, are surmountable. If any of this applies to you, then huge, huge hugs. More of them. Please know that you’re allowed to be a human being. You’re allowed to be perfect. And we dearly hope that even in the most difficult, horrible of times, life finds you a smile somewhere. All the best, folks. Thanks, as always, for reading.
