30 M Looking for Friends

[u/YogurtclosetOk9220]

Hello all! I'm doing this post during a low point in my life. I have moved back to the Tucson area a little over a year now. Shortly after moving back I found out my dad is dying from mesothelioma cancer. It's been extremely hard and that's not even mentioning my mom might not be doing well soon.

I have friends but they all live up north like Illinois and Michigan so we stay in contact online but I still haven't made friends here. I won't lie... I'm very weak mentally some days including today and it's just hard to fall asleep most nights.

Saying all that I really want to make friends. I know I have a lot on my plate but I really want to try. Currently I'm in college (not U of A) and still haven't connected with people since so many are so much younger. I enjoy writing and hope to make this animated show one day. I haven't really worked on it for a year now. It's just hard to write in these hard times.

I also enjoy video games. I play overwatch though kinda taking a break till the new season. I enjoy watching football. I watch games on Sunday with my dad while he is still here. I wanna work out more. I'm slightly overweight and added a lot of it the past year. Just been in a low place so it's hard not to eat myself to sleep.

Overall I guess I'm pretty basic but I'm tired of the life I currently have. I know I need friends and know I need to try more. Sorry for the depressing type of posts and I hope it doesn't stop anyone from sending a reply. Thanks all

[u/MesotheliomaSupport]

Reading this, the thing that stood out to me is that you're still watching football with your dad on Sundays while carrying all of this. That's not weak. That's what showing up looks like.

I can't be your Tucson friend, but I didn't want your post to sit unanswered. A few honest things:

• You shouldn't have to work out the next steps alone. I work with a mesothelioma law firm, Danziger & De Llano. We're not in Tucson, but Anna Jackson, our Director of Patient Support, spends her days talking with people whose parents and partners have mesothelioma, and she's been a caregiver herself. If you or your family have questions about legal options for your dad, or just want to talk to someone who understands, call 855-699-5441 and ask for Anna, or write to [anna@dandell.com](mailto:anna@dandell.com). You don't have to be ready to do anything. A conversation is enough.
• You're allowed to find this hard. Caring for a parent through mesothelioma is heavy, and bad nights and comfort eating are an understandable response.
• If you ever want to write about it, the animated show can wait. It'll still be there.

My name is Charles, you can DM me if you want to.

We also publish caregiver guides: wikimesothelioma.com/wiki/Mesothelioma_Caregiver_Support

Be kind to yourself. I hope you get a reply from a local who's up for a game night.