"I will be there for you. Just let me know what you need, anything at all." I said to a friend in a text. I meant it. Mostly. She is facing surgery in a few weeks, and I wanted her to know that I am thinking of her and want to be supportive. If she needs me, I will be there. And I will. Then I had to clarify. They live on a farm. They have livestock. So I sent an addendum.
"Well, almost anything. I don't do cow things." And I don't. Haven't a clue. Fortunately I probably would not have to, as her husband and son would take care of that stuff. So she responded with an LOL, and question.
"Pig?" Uh, Sorry. Nope. "I could cook the crud out of it, though." I don't think that was an option however.
Offer to run errands. In today's culture, I would be inclined to suggest Amazon or Instacart. Why waste precious gas? Sounds pretty silly to me.
Offer to pet-sit or babysit. The majority of my friends have children way beyond the age of needing to be babysat. (INSERT SIGH OF RELIEF HERE) And this particular friend of mine has pets that are big enough for most of my grandkids to ride. They probably take care of themselves.
Help with gardening or outdoor chores. I already clarified outdoor chores are out of my wheelhouse and will state for the record that I am close to forbidden to care for anything green. Unless it is a vegetable meant for consumption, I keep my distance. I'm fairly sure I have caused silk plants to give up the ghost. Nobody wants me to help with gardening, nobody.
Create a playlist I love this idea. I have some very solid ideas of what makes good music. Most of my family disagrees with me, including but not limited to my grandchildren. The problem lies in the fact that I am not entirely sure at this point in my life exactly how to, or where, to save this playlist. Sigh.
Offer to handle paperwork. Let's just not go there. Just no.
Offer Tech Support. When I pick myself up off the floor from laughing, I will refer you to above.
Take Meals Finally. Something that I can feel confident and capable in attacking.
Talk with them and encourage them. This I can do in spades. My specialty, I suppose.
Bring Laughter into their lives. Yes. Now we are talking. Let's go, as my grandson says with exuberance.
And I know that you will do the same for me.
This is such a wonderful mix of thoughtfulness and humor your friend is so lucky to have you in her corner! It’s clear you’ve really thought through what you can do, and that’s what truly matters. Feeding her belly and her soul, making her laugh, and just being there for her emotionally are gifts that no one else can bring in quite the same way. And honestly, knowing your limits while still being so supportive is a strength. She’s going to feel so cared for by you!
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