There is something about my personality that wants to fix things and people. Perhaps that is why I went into health care to be a fixer of the ill and frail. Yet, the truth is we really cannot fix others, only assist them in fixing themselves. It has taken me years to learn this and even now I try to make things all better for whomever is suffering. The challenge is only the ones who are hurt or damaged or in pain can really fix themselves. What others can provide is support, resources and genuine care. Of course, this is easier said than done. When we see a loved one in pain and anguish, we want to make it better. We try to take away the misery and replace it with feelings of hope and happiness. And as much as we want to do this, we simply do not have the tools or the ability to fix someone else.
So what can we offer to fix the broken? Mostly, we can be present and listen and offer support and hugs. We can assist in meeting their basic needs by providing things like food and clothes, but how can we repair their emotional and mental well being? If I knew how to do this,
