Sad

For many with chronic illness, doctor visits are their main form of social interaction. Do you wonder why they are sad?

Put on the China Hat

A friend of mine was counseled on how to help a chronically ill person who was going to stay at her home for a few days. The host said, "I'm going to put on my China hat." By this, she meant that just as she had to learn the culture of China when she lived there, she was willing to learn the culture of the chronically ill person when she came to visit her.

This is much wisdom in this. The chronically ill may be part of your "culture," but their experience of that culture is far different, given the abnormalities of their bodies. If you want to help them, put on "the China hat" and listen to their culture. Please.