DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a colleague (a subordinate) who is terminally ill with ALS, and her condition is rapidly deteriorating. When she notifies me and her other supervisors by email that she will take a sick day, I have no idea how to properly respond.
With anyone else (not terminally ill) I would say, feel better soon, get well, etc. I feel these are not appropriate, as she is not going to get better. Just saying message received or not responding at all seems rude.
What would be the appropriate way to acknowledge that she is out sick in this situation? I care about her, having known her for about 15 years, and this whole situation breaks my heart. We cannot call her, as the disease has impacted her speech and she no longer answers the phone.
GENTLE READER: Respond to the email professionally, but compassionately saying, "Thank you for letting us know, as we are all concerned about you. One of us will email to check on you to see if there is anything you need."
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