How you can help David
5 Jun
Okay, I have totally been inspired by Lisa J. Copen’s new book, Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend. I highly encourage you to read it. Even I got some great ideas and tips!
So, here’s a list of things you can do specifically for David’s situation.
- Play video games with him. It’s David’s favorite thing to do.
- Invite him over to your house to play video games or come over to our house and play games with him. XBox Live is great, but actually sitting next to someone, sharing a bowl of popcorn is so much better.
- If you’re like me and you don’t like video games, play board games or cards with David.
- If you hear of something going on in our area that doesn’t involve walking or sitting for too long, tell him about it. It’s hard for us to find things we can do.
- Swim with him. Swimming is the easiest exercise for his joints. Take him to your gym on a day pass. Then he can soak in the hot tub afterwards which eases the pain a little.
- Send him a card to let him know you’re praying for him.
- Wash and/or vacuum out his car.
- This is really more for me, but on the days he goes to the doctor, we spend an hour or more in the car and about four hours in the doctor’s office. Bringing us a healthy dinner would be much appreciated.
- Another one for me. If you have a great vegetarian recipe that even meat lovers like, send it to me. David is supposed to limit his animal protein consumption.
- Pray for him every time the weather changes.
- When David has a flare up, call him and ask if you can stop by and see him.
- If you come to our house (and you feel comfortable doing this) ask David if you can use the back massager on him. David’s parents bought him this great massager that he likes, but it’s on the heavy side and I can’t use it on him for very long.
- Ask David if you can trim our trees or do some other project around the house.
- When we sell our house, help us move.
- Buy him a giant bag of Epsom Salts. He soaks in a hot bath with Epsom Salts at least twice a day. We’re constantly running out.
Love,
A Young Wife
Thanks for the list! It’s so nice to have a direct way to help someone you care about!
Are week nights difficult for you guys? It could be fun if we got Mom to watch the girls and Daniel and I could come out there and bring dinner and the guys could play XBox while you and I hang out. What would be good for you?
Honestly? Most week nights we’re just on the couch watching a movie. Or I’m reading and David’s playing games in his office. We would LOVE for you two to come over! The only night consistently booked is Wednesday because David has Bible Study.
Let’s do Tuesday night, then. 7:00 okay–too late or early? We’re very flexible. It will be good for you two AND us!
BTW, Violet is lying here with me (migraine day!) and just saw the pic of you and David on this page: “I sure do love my two teachers.”
Perfect! I just put you on the calendar. Tell Violet we sure do love her, too! That made my day.
(okay, ignore the icon. I don’t know how that’s there.) Aww! Bless your heart! Thank you so so much for that list!!! I never know what to do for people and I’m not brave enough to execute what I do think of! We can do several of those things on your list, and we are nearby now. I’ll send my address. Jeremy loves video games, Brooks loves hanging with the guys, and I love visiting and having people over and recipes!
Also, Hi, Dayna!
All Ya’ll email anytime!!
Hugs,
~Angela
Thank you so much Angela! We’ll definitely have to get together soon.
Oh, yeah. I should probably explain more about why I want David to play video games. It’s not just that it’s his favorite thing and it’s one of the few activities he can still do. It’s also a great distraction from the pain. Whenever he’s playing video games or laughing, he doesn’t think about the pain.
Thanks so much for sharing and what a wonderful way to let friends know how to encourage your husband!
Thank you Lisa!