Staying Strong When Illness Strikes: Ten Insights

Love is the most important part of life support. It can have a profound effect on the healing process.

The patients who improve tend to have a strong network of family and friends.

Families need care as well and may need TLC for years to come.

Even when the patient makes a full recovery, families have to deal with loss and grief.

It's important to find others who have survived the medical combat zone and tell your battle stories. This will help you bear the load.

There's nothing like a sick room to reorder your priorities.

Every person in your family will be changed by this.

Caregiving isn't for the faint of heart.

It will always require more resources than you have to give.

You can't do it alone. Ask a hospital social worker for a list of support groups and family counselors, and reach out to trusted friends. Create your own circle of faith.

Accept the bad days with the good and remember that progress is not a linear thing. It usually takes a zigzag path.

Never give up and always be open to surprises.

Remember that healing isn't just a onetime thing.

Miracles keep occurring every day.