Its not often a thread gets through like this one. Someone very close to me (okay, we were married for 20 years)has just undergone some pretty drastic surgery for cancer and has suddenly found herself with a HUGE fight on her hands. I suppose my role is just to BE there - helping where I can, listening,and trying to understand what she´s going through. And, at the same time, trying to find the fine balance between caring and not letting my own emotions get the overhand. When not Mudcatting, I work with handicapped adults and we have a phrase to keep our heads clear when things get a bit heavy - "caring from a distance". I hope that doesnt sound too heartless. Its just sooooooo important to keep your own emotions in check when other (and more important) qualities are called for. And, in situations like these, they certainly are.
All the very best,
John