"Go visit someone who is hurting today, or call them, or write them a note. Tell them that even though you can't take away their pain, they are not forgotten. It will mean far more than most of us realize."

Wise words and good advice.

When I went through my own cancer battle, what disappointed me the most was the large number of friends who did not call or write. I sort of suspected that they didn't know what to say, but it still bothered (and surprised) me.

Several years later, a young man whom I had briefly mentored many years before died of cancer. I was shocked. Mostly, I felt ashamed that I had not kept in better contact with him through the years. Also, I never knew his parents well. All this to say: I didn't call the parents, nor did I attend the funeral. Looking back, what on earth was I thinking, Tony?

There are many situations in life where the old adage, "When in doubt, don't," applies. However, when it comes to dealing with people who are hurting, the more apt adage is, "When in doubt, do."

Thanks, one more time, for teaching the rest of us a lesson that we desperately need to remember.

Thanks for letting us know a bout Caleb's successful surgery.
Like Friend, I too have noticed that when one is battling with a serious health problem, cancer or otherwise, people seem to back off, and again, thanks Tony for reminding us that when people are hurting and suffering, we ought to help, in big or small ways, depending on our ability. And, a lot of times, one doesnt have to even do anything major - sometimes , something as easy as taking the time to make a phone call is all it takes t o brighten a sick friend's day. I know that from experience.