Hugs

A hug delights and warms and charms, that must be why God gave us arms. ~Author Unknown

Happiness is an unexpected hug.  ~Author Unknown

A hug is the shortest distance between friends.  ~Author Unknown

I still get the question, "How can I help?" and I have noticed several things really help me along the beaten path of this journey.

I have noticed that hugs really make me feel better. If you see me, I may offer you a hug if you don't offer me one. I need a lot right now!

I also really still appreciate the mail and Bible verse reminders. It seems as though God plants them at "just the right time"- when I'm feeling super down and low, there the reminder is, lo and behold. If you don't mind, please keep encouraging me! Your words and reminders mean more to me than you will ever know or understand!

Thank you for all of your help so far and may God continue to use you to be a blessing to me!

I also stumbled upon this paragraph today in a book I was reading...
As for friends, the most useful thing a friend can do to help is keep in constant contact with someone who is mentally ill. To know that your friend remains your friend even though you are mentally ill, or even before you know that, when you think you are just miserable and grumpy, is a great aid toward health. A phone call, a lunch, or even an e-mail can bolster a sagging mood. Don't expect your mentally ill friend, however, to be fun to be with. It is important for you to realize that the friend's poor mental health may look like rejection of friendship, but it is not really this. It is just a sick brain, barely functioning.  (Kathryn Greene-McCreight)