"How do you respond to a friend with a serious illness?"

Don’t tell me prayer doesn’t work. Yesterday I mentioned that I had been told I needed to have another bone marrow biopsy. Not exactly my favorite way to spend the day. Yesterday afternoon Moffitt called and my doctor apparently has decided that I don’t need the additional bone marrow biopsy!



“How do you respond to a friend with a serious illness?”

There are many ways that people respond to someone with a serious illness. Some people struggle with how to respond. They don’t want to say or do the wrong thing. The important thing is to respond. Don’t worry about saying the wrong thing. At the same time, if you wonder whether it's appropriate to say, the general rule is: It probably isn't.

I have had fun with some of the responses. They have “cheered my heart.”

For example:

This is what they said to me.

“Bob, I had an uncle who had the same thing you have, before he died, he had a wonderful life, he traveled the world, visited family, enjoyed playing golf.”

This is what they wanted me to hear.
“Bob, I had an uncle who had the same thing you have, before he died, he had a wonderful life, he traveled the world, visited family, enjoyed playing golf.”

This is what I heard.
“Bob, I had an uncle who had the same thing you have, before HE DIED, yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada.”


I’m only kidding. Everyone has been wonderful. I actually hear the heart of the person talking to me. I hope they can hear my grateful heartfelt response back. To have people tell you they are sorry you are sick, they care for you, they will pray for you, is one of the most humbling things that has ever happened to me. It is also incredibly meaningful.

God Bless!

Bob