DEAR ABBY: The letter about taking food to families in mourning reminded me of a similar experience. After I had major surgery, some friends offered to bring lunch that we could share. They planned to stay and visit with me. I told them I wasn't up to socializing due to pain and discomfort. Two weeks later, they offered again. I thanked them, but declined for the same reason.
In the meantime, another friend called to say she wanted to drop off some meals she had prepared. She told my husband she would not stay, but that I could call her if I felt like talking.
My recuperation lasted longer than I anticipated, but she brought us more meals. You can imagine how we welcomed those homemade meals. I've told her many times over I'm forever grateful for her kindness.
This taught me a valuable lesson. I promised myself I would perform this same act of kindness in the future. When the first group of friends called for the third time, I hinted that I appreciated the home-cooked meals my other friend brought. Their answer: "We'll go out to lunch when you're better." -- A MORE COMPASSIONATE PERSON, SOMEWHERE IN THE U.S.A.
DEAR PERSON: Talk about a letter with an important message. Thank you for sharing this valuable lesson. Many can learn from it.