What would you do?

[Nikki J]

I just received a Christmas newsletter from a couple I know slightly. They live in another country, we have no mutual friends but have happily exchanged Christmas greetings for some years
The husband has been diagnosed with ALS. I suspected this was coming from comments made last year about symptoms.
If It were another terminal illness I would write a brief note of commiseration and good wishes but somehow that seems false but writing back hey me too! Seems odd as well. I did not mention it in my card to them nor have I discussed my family as they do not know them

 

[GregK]

Consider how lost, confused and despairing we all felt at the diagnosis.

I would think a brief note similar to the following would both be in order and welcome:

"I was very sorry to learn of your MND diagnosis. You may not be aware of the familial ALS in my family: I too have been diagnosed with MND.

I have personal experience and knowledge of online resources that could be useful to you. I would be happy to help, please feel free to ask."

To mix metaphors, this opens the door but leaves the ball in their court.

 

[azgirl]

Greg is a smart man. Well said.

 

[affected]

Greg said it brilliantly.

 

[skipper66]

I would reach out to them just as Greg wrote. They might be so grateful to have someone who understands what they are going through reach out to them.

 

[Nikki J]

Thanks Greg and all

 

[Barbie]

Greg was perfect on spot..just cut and paste. also you should invite them to the forum--

 

[MaxEidswick]

>Greg is a smart man. Well said.

Ditto that!