Accepting Help is Hard - Cara's Story

I hate asking for help. I like to support other people, but hate that feeling of needing help from others. I take care of two kids, go to grad school, hold down a full time job, no problem. All that came to a screeching halt when my husband was injured in a motorcycle accident and shattered his leg.

I ran to the hospital from church with friends assuring me that my children would be okay. At the hospital, I called friends to make sure that my children would make it home. But my mind was racing. How was I supposed to be at the hospital, take care of my children, and get things done at work? My dear friend Aimee told me, “Don’t worry. I’ll set up a WhatFriendsDo page for you. Because, Cara, you’re gonna need it.”

Over the next few days and weeks, friends provided meals, mowed lawns, helped with kids or just checked in to see how things were going. It was great having a place to send everyone for updates on my husband’s condition, so they weren’t dependent on me to get the word out. I didn’t have to organize anything! People who wanted to do something had a place to go to find out how to help.

I didn’t think I needed it. But at the end of the day, a hot meal for my family made the difference between stressing and a little breathing room in the day. I learned how to accept help from caring friends and family.

What Friends Do provided an avenue for those that wanted to help, in a way that didn’t add more to my plate to coordinate it all. Five months later, things are almost back to normal. When I remember that stressful time, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the village that surrounds me and the friend who made it all happen.