Do you feel parched? Or tired?
Of illness? Or grief?
If so, you are not alone.
The problem is that many of us feel parched on a regular basis, as if we simply don't have enough time or energy - or life's water - to make it through the day. Add to that a diagnosis of a serious illness or a journey through grief, and daily life can begin to resemble nothing so much as a desert which we struggle through, thirsty all of the time.
Many who have been recently diagnosed with a serious illness thirst for normalcy. For those of us who are used to being healthy, a sudden bout with serious illness can be devastating. And for those who haven't been blessed with good health - at least in awhile - the worsening of our health status or that of a loved one, can be extremely difficult, even heartrending. For some, the best treatment may be palliative care, or as it is more commonly called: 'the aggressive pursuit of comfort.'
For others, the journey through grieving the loss of a loved one can be long and arduous - and sadly, all too often, unaccompanied. Days can feel like months, and months like years. All the while, our soul thirsts for consolation.
One inevitably wonders: Where should I turn? Who can help me?
At Consoling Communities, we hope we can be of help. In this section you will find information, resources, and support tailored for those who are ill and for those who are grieving.
- If you have recently been diagnosed with a serious illness, if you are caring for someone who is ill, or if you've had such an illness for awhile and would like added support, please refer to Internet Resources for Seriously Ill on the sidebar of this page and the Guide for Care and Support link below.
- This effective, free, 'Guide to Care and Support during Serious Illness' can be printed out from our sister web site, Consoling Grace, via Adobe format. It includes print and take forms for scheduling medications, a daily caregiving log, questions to ask your doctor at diagnosis and during treatment, and much more, including information on caregiver support, pain control, and essential conversations. Feel free to visit: www.ConsolingGrace.com/endoflifeguide1.html
- If you, or someone you love is grieving, please refer to The Saint Thomas Guide to Surviving Grief and to the Grief-Related Internet Resource section.
- If you need help with 'What to say or do' when a loved one, friend, co-worker, neighbor, or professional associate is seriously ill or grieving, please refer to the section entitled Community Outreach.
As you journey through illness or grief, please know that you are not alone, that you are part of a larger community -- part of a consoling community. Please know that our thoughts, prayers, and blessings are with you.
Eileen
Eileen T. Geller, Director
Consoling Communities
