It’s a common dilemma. Your friend, acquaintance, relative, or neighbor is laid up in bed, due to a sickness or some other disability. You feel badly for them, and you want to help out in some way.

But you just don’t know what to do. You’re afraid to impose, and be in the way. You’re afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing.

But still, you want to show that you care, that you are thinking about the person.

You would love a great idea to pop into your head,  something  that would make your friend happy. Something small – not too big or fancy. Something that just hits the mark, that brings good energy, and boosts the person’s mood and morale.

Something that fits his or her personality and is not too complicated for you to carry out in a timely manner.

Below is a list of mitzvos (good deeds in Hebrew) done for me, a list of the kindnesses that I’ve been blessed to receive from friends and loved ones,  the past few months while I’ve been pretty much home-bound.

In Hebrew numerology, 18 represents the word “Chai,” which means life.  I  share 18 ideas for bikur cholim (visiting the sick in Hebrew)  below.   I look forward to “paying it forward” to those in need, when I am back to my regular schedule.

1. Visit the person  in their home. (call to see when is a good time).

2. Call and leave a voice mail or speak to the person.

3. Write a supportive text or email.

4. Cook a meal and arrange a good time to bring it over.

5. Write and send a greeting card in the mail.

6. Pick flowers from your garden and bring them over in a vase.

7. Bring over a Reader’s Digest or other magazine.

8. Buy a book of crossword puzzles and other word games.

9. Surprise your friend with a 7-11 Slurpee.

10. Offer to bring a  Coffee Bean Latte of the person’s choice.

11. Call when you’re going to the market and pick up for the person some needed groceries.

12. Buy or loan a book that you’ve read that you think he/she might enjoy.

13. Bring the person a needlepoint or other project for keeping busy.

14. If they have young children, offer to take the kids to the park

15. Lend or buy a CD or tape with music that is the person’s preference.

16. If you play a musical instrument, arrange a time to come entertain with a solo or duet with someone else.

17. Bring over some board games such as Scrabble, Boggle or Monopoly and play these games with the patient.

18. Remember, “Laughter is the Best Medicine.” If you have a good joke, share it with the patient.

Any other ideas? Please share them below…