Since I've returned to California, I've started to feel less useful when it comes to helping my sister/family through this challenging time in our lives. Instead of wallowing in my own sorrows, I think I'm going to make a list of things my family would and would not find helpful:
Helpful1. Cleaning Traci's house or Mom & Dad's house 2. Babysitting the kids. (Kudos to Aunts Jeannie and Micky for taking the lead on this one!) 3. Offering to make trips to the library 4. Gardening help (especially at Traci's house--lots of weeding needs to be done) 5. Making sure Traci is following all of her doctor's instructions 6. Doing the laundry 7. Assisting mom in organizing the back room of the basement 8. Visiting me in San Francisco 9. Encouraging Traci (and the rest of us) to laugh at every opportunity 10. Calling/texting/emailing family members to let them know you're thinking of them | Not Helpful1. Bringing any food to the family that is not 90% organic vegetables 2. Letting Traci disobey doctor's orders 3. Crying 4. Sendung uber-fragrent flowers 5. Expecting family members to return your phone calls/emails/texts or getting frustrated when they don't answer the phone |