if my best friend were a HIV victim.
HIVis now a fact of life and poses new challenges for everyone: not only persons who are ill, but their friends and loved ones as well. Often it is people who are young that have become ill, and their hopes for a long life have been severely affected. Their situation is not isolated. It is shared by people close to them.
When someone you know is ill, with a serious illness like AIDS, you may feel helpless or useless. If the person is a friend you may say, "Just call if you need anything." But because of insecurity or a sense of helplessness, you may fear the call, if it comes. Here are some thoughts and suggestions that may help you to help someone who is very ill.
Don't avoid your friend. Be there. It gives hope. Be the friend, the loved one you've always been, especially now when it is most important.
Touch your friend. A simple squeeze of the hand or a hug can let him or her know you still care. Call before you visit. Your friend may not feel up to a visitor that day. Don't be afraid to phone again and visit on another occasion. Your friend needs you and may be lonely and afraid. -- Weep and laugh with your friend. Don't be afraid to share such intimate experiences -- they may enrich you both.
Tell your friend what you'd like to do to help. If he or she agrees, do this. Keep any promises you make.