My neighbor (a kumare, I was one of the sponsors of her daughter’s baptism fifteen years ago) and I were waiting for the garbage truck to arrive a few hours ago and she asked me about Nissa. So I told her today is Nissa’s check-up with her surgical oncologist.
She told me about her plight nowadays. She could not stand now for long and when she walks she drags her feet slowly. She even said that when they are at the mall, people look at her askance on the way she walks. I told her to not mind them. A few months ago, she still could do morning rounds of walking at the village park. She was crying when she told me that she is just waiting for the end of it all. I didn’t know how to comfort her so we just held each other tight. Those patients that she used to see at her doctor’s clinic are now on wheel chairs. She is suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is progressive. It gets worse over time. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement. Back in 2009 when typhoon Ondoy struck and five families were in their house including us, we noticed her slow movement. That was the start.
Knowing how to comfort a friend. We are quite afraid at times that we might say the wrong words. It’s okay to just listen and empathize. Don’t act as if you know it all. Just tell them you understand.
Habang may buhay, may pag-asa.
A tight hug,silent lips with lots of love and affection in eyes,..is more.than enough. No one can really understand the extent of pain the person is going through
Lovely post.
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You’re right just being there is enough. Thank you Meena.
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That last paragraph in English is spot on
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I don’t know how to translate that exactly in English Derrick. Loosely, it means “when there is life, there is hope”.
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Thanks Arlene. I was referring to the longer, English, paragraph
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Ah, thanks Derrick!
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Sorry to hear about your neighbour, Arlene. It seems to me that you are doing exactly the right thing to help her.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’m sad about her predicament Pete. She is still too young. Her oldest kid is just a first year college student. The youngest is in high school. She asked me what I do every day because I’ve gotten a little slimmer than before. I said I do occasional gardening, a lot of reading and blogging.
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sometimes words are not needed in comforting a friend. i’m sure what you did in absence of words means a lot to her. and i agree, hope is eternal. 🙂
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The truth is I really didn’t know what to say and how to comfort her Wilma. She is still too young to suffer such a disease.
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Wise words, Arlene. Your neighbor is blessed to have you next door.
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Thanks a lot.
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Parkinson’s is a tough disease to have to live with. A good friend of ours suffers from it and had an awful time. I think you did the right thing by listening and giving your friend and neighbor a hug! Anything that’s genuine is helpful! I hope Nissa is recovering well! Take care of yourself too, Arlene!
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When I think of these ailments that people suffer today, I do agree with you Sabine, it is a tough disease. I really appreciate your concern for Nissa and me Sabine, thank you so much.
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It is incredible how comforting it is just to have someone listen and be there without offering advice. You are a good friend.
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I really didn’t know what to say Elizabeth so I just hugged her.
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Hugs say a lot.
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They do 🙂
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It is so hard to see people you care about deteriorate. You are truely a good friend.
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Yes it is and it’s hard to see them suffering. Sometimes you don’t even know how to comfort them. Thanks again Lelanie.
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This is so true! Your friend is lucky to have you around. Sometimes just being there for someone can bring a huge difference in their lives. I wish for your friend’s good health.
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Thank you so much for the well-wishes Bhagyashree and fo visiting this blog.
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