I ran across a great website called www.restministries.org  for those who are living with illness or consoling someone with illness. Lisa Copen and her husband started this nonprofit. 

As I have written and spoken on grief over the past 6 years, specifically on losing a child,  I try to help others understand that ANY situation that feels like a loss, IS grief.  Many times it is not a death, but a life of challenges and ongoing loss that we cannot change. It may be having a family member with special needs or dealing with divorce, but it is all grief.

I think the subject of grief is a place most do not want to venture until there is an actual death. I know I did not. Having walked through the valley with my son, I am more cognizant of the process and others that are living with loss.  I am so glad to find sites like this that are helping others deal with illness and loss and find answers. My article, Just Be There, explored the basics of consoling a friend that is grieving through the holidays, but Lisa has expounded on this by giving some very creative, hands-on ideas for getting into their life and making a difference. Her book, “Beyond Casseroles:505 ways to encourage a chronically ill friend“, looks like a must-read for those in the ministry of encouragement. As I am joining our CARE team at church, I just ordered three copies!

Quote from book: Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief. – Marcus Tullius Cicero