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To My Dear Friend With a Chronic Illness

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Dear Friend With a Chronic and/or Invisible Illness,

Please know I am there to support you 100 percent. Although I may not always be able to be next to you physically, I am there in spirit. I, as a person of relatively good health, can’t fathom all the pain (physical and mental) you endure, but please know you have my utmost respect for how you power through life. You have to be one of the strongest people I know personally.

You have described to me countless times the pain you suffered while undergoing various procedures, treatments and infusions. Although I may never be able to fully remember the names of everything you go through, please know I try to empathize with your pain as much as possible.

I know I may come off as frustrated when you don’t respond to my texts, calls or messages as often as I would like, but please know that it sometimes stems from fear of what may be going on with you.

Please know I care deeply for you and your family. I know sometimes it may be overwhelming for you to fully understand what life is like for someone who has a family member or good friend with a life-altering illness, but try to remember that it’s because they care for you and love you. People have their own way of reacting to your medical emergencies, which means they may come off as rude or uncaring.

But most of all, I love you. I have the utmost respect for you. You are always on my mind and in my prayers.

Love,

A Dear Friend

Image via Thinkstock Images

Originally published: December 10, 2015
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