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When my friend, Pat, was dying, she asked, “Karen, will you please massage my feet?” This request made me feel a little uncomfortable. I didn’t know how. I wasn’t trained. Although I did remember how wonderfully soothing and relaxing it was when having my feet were massaged during a pedicure.
Anyway, Pat handed me a bottle of lotion, and I began to softly and tenderly massage her feet. While I massaged I prayed that she would feel Jesus’ touch. I pictured in my mind that Jesus was releasing waves of quiet, soothing peace throughout Pat’s body and mind. Gradually, I could feel Pat relax and then she was sleeping.
In your caregiving, I hope that you will consider giving a suffering friend a loving foot massage. It will be a gift to the friend and to you.
To download a free e-book on simple ways to care for the people in your life go to our post titled 122+ Ways to Care Well.
A foot massage is such an intimate, loving thing to do for someone. Not everyone will be vulnerable enough to accept your offer. I have found that if you act as if it’s no big deal, they inevitably will allow you to give them this gift. The other benefit is that you can be present with your friend or loved one without having to make conversation, which under the circumstances can be difficult for each of you for different reasons.