When you feel as if you are always getting instead of giving, it is a wonderful feeling to be able to give back. I was able to do this recently when I got an email from someone newly diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome. The woman also had other chronic illnesses but her rheumatologist and opthamologist were not up to date on her new dx. She also lives in a rural area where there are not a lot of doctors to choose from.

I answered her questions to the best of my abilities and provided links to her for the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation and an online support group. She replied that just knowing someone who had the same disease as her was helpful. She had felt alone until our email exchange. It felt better than getting gift cards to her favorite stores. It wasn’t that I was able to answer all of her questions, but be there for her. I felt worthwhile and like I had accomplished something.

Reach out to others in some way. It can be the perfect gift for the two of you.