When one of our friends is going through a challenging time, we want to help.  We need to always remind ourselves that even the smallest things can make a big difference.

Here are some of our favorite things to do to help:

• Offer something specific; don't say "Call me if you need anything"
• Call your friend just before you are ready to do your own grocery shopping or errands to find out what you can pick up for her/him
• Offer to provide a pizza dinner (call in the delivery order and pay for it over the phone with your credit card)
• Invite your friend's children to your house for an afternoon of playing, and feed them dinner, too

Here are a few seasonal things to consider doing:

• Organize a leaf-raking party
• Offer to help get Halloween costumes ready
• Put a potted mum on the front steps - it will bring many smiles