First of all, I’m sorry that you’re on this page. It isn’t easy to be unwell. It especially isn’t easy when someone you care about is unwell. As someone who has spent a fair share of time in and around hospitals, I know the feeling of helplessness that comes along with illness. And how the pervading sense of defeat and isolation can sometimes feel worse than the illness itself. I’m well aware that nothing can make you feel better than your loved one getting better, but sometimes that’s not in our hands.

What is in our hands, however, is spreading some love and cheer. So whether you fill a memory jar by yourself with moments to make your unwell loved one smile, or invite everyone they love to post get well soon messages for them, I hope your memory jars spread smiles and hope. Because hope is a gift, and even if it doesn’t mean they can get well now, at least it means they’ll get well soon. After all, this too shall pass.