How do I help my son, whose wife is dying of MND?
Question:
Dear Sir,
I am a member of the church of Christ. My son’s wife is dying of a motor neuron disease (MND). They still do their Bible studies and go to church as often as possible. What can I say or do to help him through all this? He says he just hopes that he gets through this and stays sane. I think all of us are looking at life and things in a whole new way.
Please advise me.
Answer:
The one certainty we have about life is that each of us will die. "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14). For some, the passing is sudden, and we are consumed with grief that we didn't get to say all we wanted before they left. For others, the passing lingers, and we are worn down by on-going grief and hardships.
Find ways to give your son and daughter-in-law breaks from the cares of life. Take care of chores that have been placed on hold because dealing with the ailment is a more pressing problem for them. Give them a night out or surprise them with a meal to eat at home. And most of all, be there to listen as they talk about their struggles. You won't be able to solve most of them, but it helps to know that someone cares enough to hear their story.
