Life is full of triumphs and struggles. Sometimes those struggles seem to outweigh the triumphs. One battle that can be hard to deal with is the sickness of a parent. Finding out can be a gradual process or happen all at once. Either way, when you officially find out, it can be a punch in the gut. Depending on the situation, it can completely change the dynamic. Routines change, new complications arise, and sometimes how people can act shift. With all of the new challenges and opportunities that arise from these new situations, there are some lessons that can be learned.

1. They are just as scared

They sometimes don't know what's going on or what is going to happen. They come to terms with what's going on, but they do battle that fear.

2. If they don’t tell you everything, it’s because they don’t want you to worry

They want you to live as normal of a life as possible, and for you to focus on school/work. Yes, you do deserve to know, but they are worried about how it will affect you. It is incredibly frustrating. You may not like it, but they are doing what they think is best.

3. They are self-conscious

They aren't the healthy person they used to be. If it affects how they look, what they can and cannot do, they might be insecure. Help them if you can.

4. They can feel bad for being sick

They don’t like being sick and they can feel bad because they acquire more attention, have to cancel plans because they don’t feel well, or they feel that they slow things down.

5. They want to spend as much time with you as possible

Being sick puts a lot of things into perspective and it makes people treasure more. They want to be with you more and they treasure that time.

6. It may be difficult to be patient with them at times, but that is what they need

They may be slow. They may not be able to understand as well. They may get confused. It can be hard to not get annoyed or frustrated, they are trying.

7. They appreciate all the extra help you provide

When your parent is sick, they need more help. You may not want to, but they really do appreciate everything you do to help

8. Questioning why they are sick is a never ending question

Sometimes it’s hard to understand why people suffer, especially when they haven’t done anything wrong. You probably won’t ever find a reason and coming to terms with it can be hard.

9. Just a reminder, they love you

You mean so incredibly much to them and help them get through their hard times and struggle. You part of what helps them persevere. Remember that.