Processing a lot of thoughts and reflections since we since
got word that Humblet’s best friend from school was diagnosed with cancer, a
few days shy of her fourth birthday. Some of the emotions are still pretty raw
and as this precious child fights cancer, goes through round after round of chemotherapy,
our thoughts continue to be with her, and our prayers surround her daily.
This post is one of the many things we first struggled with,
that is what do you say to someone when their child is sick? If you would like
to read on –
1.
IT’S NOT OKAY
Well, to be very honest, I hate it when people tell us it’s
okay each time we share something bad that happens. So the first thing NOT to
say for us at least, would be “it’s okay” and to the child “everything is going
to be alright”. That being said, I know full well lots of us say "it's okay" as a form of comfort, and we acknowledge that.
The child is sick. It is certainly not okay to have a sick
child. Also, why do we tell the child everything will be alright when we do not
know ourselves.
Let’s stop hiding behind niceties and stand in solidarity
with the parents and child. Let’s be brave enough to stand together and say “hey,
you know what, that’s awful. I’m so sorry this happened. It’s really not okay
at all.”
Often times, we worry
that we are adding on to their sadness or discouragement by saying something negative
but think about it - When you are crying or worst still in depression, the
thing you hate most is for another person to tell you, “it’s alright, you’ll be
fine”. Instead, you would rather some one journeyed with you and mourned with
you. Same for the parents of a sick child.
2.
THIS WORKED FOR ME
Another thing, we had to bite our tongue not to do was to
suggest remedies. When we let it be known that either of our kids are sick, we
get all sorts of suggestions. Or even worse, we get bombarded by questions – “have
you tried this?” “have you done that?”
Let us always assume the best. That is, that the parents
have tried everything they possibly know or that is within their means to help
their child get better.
Instead, we might say, “I’m not sure if this would help, but
this really worked for my kid when they were sick”. Or more generally, “this
worked for me if you’d like to give it a shot”.
Then leave it open to the parents or caregivers to decide if
they want to try the method out, rather than unintentionally berating them with
accusations of “why haven’t you done enough for your child?” Because, that’s
really what we are doing when we question them in the first place. Not on
purpose of course. But to a tired, sleep deprived parent, that’s exactly how it
feels.
Trust me on this. When Humblet had Flu A, I had to switch off
my phone in the hospital because every single “I think you need to give her
more brufen” or “have you let her do a bloodtest?” made me more stressed than I
was already feeling.
3.
WE ARE HERE
Once word went out that the cancer was confirmed, we are
sure the parents will be bombarded with questions. What type of cancer. What
stage. Where is the tumour and so on.
One thing we decided to do on the onset, was to never ask
until we were told. That being said, it was very hard to not ask. We were so
worried. When she went in for surgery, after her first chemotherapy session and
what not. We were itching to ask all the time if she was okay.
We turned that into an invitation instead – we are here, let
us know if you need anything.
The last thing a sick child needs is getting exhausted from
unsolicited visits. Much less a distracted parent who needs to reply a hundred concerned
texts. Our concern can become a burden
when we do not put the other person before ourselves. Step into their shoes,
walk around it. Will they benefit from our worry? Do they not have enough to
bear?
Instead, avail yourself every now and then. The fight against
cancer is a marathon and not a sprint. Surely, we could be of practical help at
some point.
--
Like I mentioned earlier, the emotions are still very raw.
My own kids having been in and out of the hospital this year for various
reasons. Thank you for reading this post. If it sounded brash at any point, it is
probably because I personally was hurt by some of the examples I shared.
Have a friend/s with a sick child?
Pray with and for them. Be with them in emotional solidarity.
Send them a hand-written card. There are so many ways we can be a blessing
without being a burden. And when they need us, they will know who to call.
Cheers,
Ames
