Today at a Cleveland appearance, Elizabeth Edwards,

She said her greatest hope is that the thousands of people who sent her emails and letters of support will redirect their kindness and concern to families in their own communities who are receiving the same unsettling news

We all need to listen to that. Praying for her is important. But she is hardly alone. We’re not going to be able to hold her hand in dark nights or bring her food or listen to her fears. We aren’t her friends. But around us – in offices, in houses or apartments near ours, on the street – are those who we can help, who we can touch. Let’s not become so emotionally exhausted thinking about Elizabeth Edwards that we fail to become exhausted actually helping those around us.