LEARNING THE SKILL OF WHAT TO SAY IN A MOMENT OF ILLNESS

Why do we have such difficulty saying the right things when friends, loved ones, colleagues, and acquaintances are ill? Because we are afraid to say the wrong things, we often stumble over our words or don't say anything at all. Susan Halpern says, "I think it's important to say something. There is such a loneliness that comes with a diagnosis. Suddenly our path in life has changed, and something has entered that we never expected, so we need to hear from friends that they care. I did. I needed to hear that friends cared. Just a simple, 'I'm thinking of you' is all that it takes." Halpern shares her own story both as a support person for those who are ill, and as a person who has had a diagnosis of cancer. With great wisdom she imparts to us how to be both a better caregiver and patient. (Hosted by Justine Willis Toms)