Why does life deal us shit sandwiches at times?

Just voice your support. If they are struggling with someone sick or hospitalized preparing a meal they can just take out of the freezer and heat is helpful. Offering child care or to run errands. It depends on what their situation is.

Sometimes it’s just the bad luck of the draw. If you can help him out with whatever it is he needs, that is all you can really do. Be there for him emotionally and physically, loan him money, offer to babysit his kids or his dogs, let him crash on your couch, make him some casseroles to put in his freezer, drive him to and from work, get his forms filled out and put in the mail on time, put gas in his car, water his lawn, pick up his mail, bring him some dinner at wherever he has to be for long periods of time (hospital, nursing home) whatever it is that he needs, if you can provide that, then do so. Some times it’s the multiple little things that we need to get done on a day to day basis that can cause someone a lot of angst if they are unable to get to those errands.

Just by letting him/her know you’re there.

A friend of mine with cancer said, “people are treating me like I have cancer or something. Why?”

Be a friend as always. Give them your normal relationship.

With people like @marinelife and @Kardamom around, how can you go wrong?

Life is a challenge. It would be dull if it wasn’t.

You won’t know how you can help them until you ask them what they need. Tell your loved one you are there for them and tell them to not be afraid to ask for help if they need it.

Because so often the people that make decisions that profoundly affect our lives are stupid.
I hope your friend feels better soon.

If you want to discuss this in more detail in private, you can turn to me.