When facing a serious illness, the emotional toll can often be more challenging than the physical symptoms. My friend, Sarah, once shared, “The hardest part of my treatment wasn’t losing my hair or the nausea from chemotherapy; it was the isolation I felt when friends and family didn’t know what to say or, worse, said the completely wrong thing.”
I can relate on a personal level, as I’ve watched a loved one battle illness without the benefit of words that comforted them. It’s true—when someone we care about is going through such a difficult time, many of us freeze up, unsure of the right approach. Some folks muster the courage to say “I’m sorry,” while others fumble through with clichés that often miss the mark.
During my loved one’s challenging moments, I encountered a fair share of misguided attempts at support. One person told me, “Everything happens for a reason,” and I couldn’t help but respond, “Well, this is a pretty lousy reason!” I mean, what sort of justification is there when one person is struck by illness and another remains healthy? It certainly didn’t bring any comfort!
That’s where these thoughtful empathy cards come into play. Traditional “get well soon” cards can feel inappropriate when someone’s future is uncertain, and sympathy cards might inadvertently give the impression that the person is already gone. Emily’s cards are designed to bridge that gap, reminding us all that genuine connection is the best gift we can offer.
I think my loved one would have appreciated this card: