I learned recently that a friend is struggling with their journey and I have been considering whether I should reach out to see if I can lighten their load. I recognize that helping someone else feels really good and helps me clear my mind allowing me to better see and appreciate the challenges I face as a CarePartner. I may be only an empathetic ear, yet it helps me to know that I can offer support and understanding. Plus, I get the reminder that I am not alone, their struggles may be mine someday and thanks to our caring network, there will be help out there for me when I need it too.

It is difficult for me to make that initial contact. I am as guilty as the next person of saying “let me know if there is anything I can do” knowing full well that the person struggling will not respond. What could I do that would work better? I can pick up the phone and make a call, I can invite them for coffee, at the very least I can send them message or email letting them know I am thinking of them.

What I have found is that when I let go of my own struggles and am there for another CarePartner, my perspective changes. The time I spend helping them is time spent helping myself. In their struggles we find a sense of shared strength and often build a new or stronger friendship. The challenges bring us together, the support gives us the strength to continue the journey on our own.