The Gettysburg Address of Love

When you first hear the news that a friend has been diagnosed with cancer, you’re likely to think of a variety of ways you intend to step up and help. Perhaps you’ll bring food, send funny cards or offer to clean her house. Before you have the opportunity to do any of these things, you actually have to say something. This is where the problems begin.

So many of us claim we don’t know what to say when we’re told someone’s facing a challenge. As a result, we put off having that conversation until so much time has passed that now we’re MIA.

For most of you, my counsel is “Don’t worry about what you say - just say something.” Your friend just wants to know you care. Sometimes, three words said with real sincerity can become the Gettysburg Address of Love.

For the rest of you, may I suggest that you keep away from anything that suggests:

1) It’s no big deal
2) It’s somehow the fault of the person facing the challenge, or
3) It’s a punishment from God

It’s also a good idea to refrain from sharing hospital horror stories.

Once you get your mouth under control, you can let your heart take over.

What’s the nicest thing anyone every said to you when you were down?