Does anybody remember letters? Seriously, I'm sure she would be delighted to receive a nice long letter telling her about what you feel and what you have been doing, bits of gossip etc. you could even enclose photos or cuttings that might interest her.
An update - sick friend has got sicker - her sister rang me today and told me her hair was taken off last Wed and the reaction to the antibiotics can't be alleviated.
Is in a very bad way and consultants don't what know what is causing the massive reaction. Is going to be transferred Dermotology tomorrow and very much doesn't want visitors. Really glad her sister rung me and let me know the situation.
I always go for the direct approach ('cos I don't do subtlety!).
I'd simply walk in and say "Right, I'm here because I really want to see you. However, if you'd like me to go away, just say and I'll disappear straight away".
What an awful time for your friend. Whenever my father and auntie were in hospital,my mother used to make a note of every person who asked after them,or who phoned to do the same. It meant a lot to them in hospital to hear actual names of people who cared, but,they didn't have to "be up" to a hospital visit. Maybe you could let your friend's sister know of anyone,including yourself,who is asking about her? All good thoughts for your friend x
Wouldn't it be great if everyone was as up front as Buenchico? :)) We must all have had times when we wanted to know people cared, but we didn't necessarily want them right there with us for hours.
I never know what to do, so hover like a fool, being no use at all.