You go through your whole childhood having your Mom and Dad take care of you when you are sick. But, what happens when one of them gets sick and you don't know how to take care of them? It is something no child should ever have to experience, but sadly plenty of us do. You never think it is going to happen to you, but then one day it does. One day now turns into months of suffering. You are left feeling helpless, wanting to take care of them just like they took care of you, but you can't. Your mind has reached the point of where you want to give them the world, but you don't have the resources to do so. You can't give them the world, but here are a few things that you can do:

1. Make sure to call/text.

Especially, if you are away, make the effort to talk to them on the phone at least once a day. A little good morning text or afternoon Bitmoji will make them happy. Hearing from you makes their day that much easier.

2. Find cute ways to make their day.

One of my favorite things to do is write my mom a letter from college. It is old fashioned, but it is fun! It is personal and gives them a break from the constant clutter and bills that come in the mail. If you are feeling bold even send them pictures, old and new. Give them something to look at. You can remind them of old memories, and show them your new ones. They want to know what is going on in your life even if it is something crazy. They want things to talk about besides the fact that they are sick, and this is a perfect way to start a new conversation.

3. Do things that you have always been told to do without a second reminder.

Remember how you are supposed to make your bed every day, but you wouldn't do it anyway? Yeah, make sure you do it. Empty the dishwasher when you see it needs to be empty, not when you are asked to. If your mom has a weird obsession with making sure your closet is always clean, make sure it is. Eliminate the simple stresses of life. They have a lot more to focus on. So, do you all the favor, and do what you are told without the second snap back for not doing it yet.

4. Make them laugh.

Embarrass yourself for them. Record yourself dancing to your favorite song, and send it to them in a text. Call them and sing to them instead of talk even if you sound like a dying whale. Who cares if you have to get a little quirky and out of your comfort zone. If it makes them laugh you can be a little uncomfortable for a little while.

5. Lastly, remind them that you love them.

I cannot stress it enough how important it is to tell them you love them. Even when you think you are going overboard on it, you aren't. They need all the encouragement that they can get, and knowing they have you to support them means the world to them.

Now, for you. This time in your life is going to be stressful and filled with a lot of emotions, but you have to remember it is okay to feel that way. You are allowed to be angry and upset. You have to process what is happening too, even if you aren't the one that is sick. Take some time for yourself each and every day to reflect on your life currently. Do things that make you happy, and surround yourself with people that you love. You can get through this, and so will your mom or dad.

Like my mom always says, this is all just a temporary issue, that is going to be solved with a permanent solution. Things will get better. Never forget that.