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Rick: People are so very different in their reactions to illness, death, emotional trauma which their friends suffer. Many do not know what to say so say nothing. In fact, my own cousins living across the country from me, never have acknowledged my new disease although in possession of the diagnosis and symptoms. This is painful. Perhaps they resent the intrusion of the incurable disease into their family gene pool. My friends are thoughtful and kind, being interested in my comfort level when we are together. The social get-togethers we share are usually initiated by me, since I am not working anymore and have the time to arrange things. I'm a musician and play in two ensembles. It is vitally important to me that my activities continue as long as possible-- they sustain my mental health as exercise sustains my physical mobility. Why wait for friends to call--you call them and keep the relationship intact. Your friends will undoubtedly appreciate YOUR thoughtful attention to them. Clare Wilson