Naturally, I am quiet and reserved. Most times during my hospital stays, I wanted someone by my side, but I didn’t want to chat. I really just wanted someone to sit quietly in my room with me, to feel their presence without having to converse. The extreme exhaustion made that unbearable.
Fortunately, I had many family members and friends who filled this role willingly and understood that I really just needed someone to be there to listen.
If you are a caregiver or concerned about a loved one facing cancer, don’t feel pressure to “say the right thing.” Maybe that person just needs an ear, or sitting comfortably together in silence.