"Support"

Have you ever heard of a chair that sat on a person? Or a wheelchair that wanted to be carried? Or a bed that needed to rest ontop of a person?

Me neither.

Chairs, wheelchairs and beds are all symbols of support and it's usually a "one way" interaction. Why is it that so many people say they want to support, but only on their own terms, conditions and comfort. Am I interpreting something incorrectly or am I just overthinking things? I thought it was quite self explanatory. If someone wants to support me and my wife, just support us...

Over the years, my wife has asked less and less for help. At this point in our lives, anytime she asks for help, it often means she's exhausted all other resources. It's so tiring to watch her ask for support only to be shot down. Through this, however, I've learned that there is something more tiring than asking for help - rejection. Rejection does something to you, it causes you to keep things to yourself. Let's be honest ... If I could save myself the grief of experiencing rejection at the cost of wallowing in my own stress and anxiety, why not?!

All I can do as her husband is love her the way she needs - to be a gentle physical presence that is willing to give her my undivided attention.  Supporting her in everyway that she needs will probably be at the expense of my comfort, time, and energy. But that's ok! Because my greatest support on this side of heaven ... is her.