Dedicated to a friend who excels at sisterly love and to everyone who provides care for cancer patients
A sister’s voice is encouraging.
gently asking questions
wisely emailing advice
faithfully calling and flying cross-country
tenderly expressing love
frequently assuring of prayer
A sister’s cooking is healing.
enticing menus designed
healthy choices selected
extra groceries purchased
juice-filled popsicles made
just-for-you dishes prepared
A sister’s gifts are personal.
classy colorful scarves
stylish attractive wigs
cheery bright pink lipstick
crisp white comfy t-shirt
soft pretty hospital robe
A sister’s visit is comforting.
finishing the laundry
answering the phone
driving to appointments
straightening the house
removing some worry
A sister’s good-bye is hopeful.
I’ll miss you.
You’re improving.
Food’s in the fridge.
I love you.
I’ll be back soon.
My friend supported her sister from the heart-breaking diagnosis of breast cancer, through arduous treatment, and finally to welcomed remission. Several cross-country flights, as well as frequent calls and text messages, provided moral support. Numerous practical gifts like nutritious juice popsicles, stylish wigs, clean laundry, full pantry, prepared meals, and a new robe made a very difficult journey a little more bearable.
Maybe we could lighten the load for cancer patients we know by using our own gifts and resources. Perhaps we could run errands, drive the person to appointments, mow the lawn, create a gift basket, or grill some extra hamburgers for the family. What a blessing each act of kindness would be!
Please share your ideas for acts of kindness to extend to patients and their families during long-term illness.
. . . serve one another humbly in love.
–Galatians 5:13 NIV
