Sally - Being there for someone even if it is just to talk and not being there physically, is just as important. IMHO. Sometimes just talking to someone while they go through a tough time can ease their stress and vice versa - having someone there for your during stressful times can ease your stress.

I thought about this thread today as a friend of mine called me today. She has a chronic illness and gets so lonely during the day while her husband is at work. We get together often during the week for movie days and to just hang out. We were talking about our plans for tomorrow and she broke down in tears. Her twin died a few years ago during this time of year and once the holiday season starts, she becomes sadder and more depressed. We talked about it and she said, "Trish, that's one of the things I love about you. You have such a good attitude about things and I love to talk to you about the things that are making me sad or bothering me. You always make me feel better." It works both ways. In reality, I get stressed and can have a crappy attitude but she and my other friends and family can really make me feel better by just being there for me. It's a win-win and I think it is such an important aspect of being human. She's headed for some tough days ahead and I know I will be there for her as much as I can and knowing what she shared with me today that it was the holiday time that her twin died I am more aware of what she will be facing over the next several weeks.

It's sharing experiences like this that help us cope with our own stress and help others cope with theirs.