When you are in pain

I have to thank a good friend for giving me this reminder today (you know who you are!). This friend recently spent some time in the hospital, eventually having her gall bladder removed. As I am personally facing this same procedure in my near future, I think her comments hit even closer to home.

She told me that the lip balm I sent reached her in the hospital just as her lips were cracked and she needed it most. She observed that many of the spas in her area focus on "beauty not healing." She noted that her parents, as her caretakers, needed "care" as much as she did. She said, "All details are important when you are in pain."

Most of my work keeps me focused on happy events: weddings and their associated showers and parties, baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries. I love this and enjoy participating in these celebrations. But I admit, the most touching notes I've received have been about comforting and healing: the cancer patient who used sugar scrub to remove the last hairs from her head during chemo; the newly-divorced mom who ordered divorce party favors to focus on one positive message in the chaos of her new life; an elderly woman in a nursing home who put cream on her chapped hands and feet. And my good friend who was soothed by a lip balm that was in the right place at the right time. People who are hurting are the ones who need the most care and soothing.

I often forget this when I'm putting together products to make people feel special: everyone deserves that feeling, but some people NEED it. People taking care of elderly parents, folks in the hospital, women who've lost spouses through death or divorce, those who have lost a job. There are so many people hurting, and as my friend said, "All details are important when you are in pain." Little things can make a big difference.

What do you think? What do you find soothing when you're feeling down or you're hurting? What do you share with those in your life to make them feel better? Please share your comments!