i remember how burdened i felt when my mom was going through cancer treatment. i was managing a catering company in mississauga at the the time, which meant that i was up at 5:30a.m, at work an hour later and on the GO bus just in time to make the trek to toronto to have dinner (and play crib) with my mom every night after work; a journey that didn't just cost me time, but money, $18 (+ dinner) each day, in fact.

now, i don't say that to boast or to complain - i would do it all over again in a heartbeat - but i remember thinking one day how lovely it would have been if someone a) acknowledged the burden i was carrying and/or b) put $18 in a card with a note that said something like "transit is on me today." maybe that's asking too much, i don't know. i've always struggled with expectations, but none-the-less i vowed to God that i would always do what i could to help a friend in need if they were ever faced with something similar. something more than 'liking a status' or writing 'thoughts and prayers' beneath it.

now don't get me wrong, liking a status and praying for someone is nice - in a (big) way both are letting someone know that you 'see them' - but doing something practical when you can is even better.

consider:

covering hospital parking for a loved one who's 'forced' to visit their sick wife or mom, or taking care of their caffeine for the day. (being a caregiver is exhausting.)

making a meal or two for a family who's grieving, showing up at their door with kleenex in hand or helping them with the daunting task of planning a funeral if you're good at those types of things or have ever had to plan one yourself.

sending a card in the mail or leaving their favourite snack on their desk.

alleviating some of your friend's stress by watching their kids for a few hours or offering to help pick them up after school so that they don't have to be in two places at once.

sending a quick 'thinking about you' text or telling someone what you appreciate about them next time you see them.

truth be told, the possibilities are endless! let's get creative and spread some love!

*disclaimer: i am in no ways perfect at this; i have missed many opportunities in my day and am striving to be better at this myself, but at the end of the day, even though we may not have a lot of time to spare at any given time or any extra money floating around, there's always something we can do to spread some love and lighten the burden of another.