What would you tell a caregiver?

My biggest advice to caregivers is to please avoid saying things like, “I’m here if you need anything,” “Everything happens for a reason,” “God has a plan for you,” or “You’re so strong.” I know these words come from a place of love, but sometimes they aren’t what we need to hear. Instead, just be there. Listen. Acknowledge how absolutely horrible and unfair it is. Say, “I’m so sorry you’re going through this. This is awful.” And then just sit with us in it.