I recently wrote an article on helping our children cope with change. Over the past few weeks, several things in my life have reminded me that kids aren’t the only ones who struggle with adjustment.

Change is inevitable and something we face at every age and stage of our lives. And along with change comes self-doubt and insecurities. These are not emotions you outgrow when you turn 21 and officially become an adult. And it reiterated to me the importance of prayer and support of family and friends during difficult times.

Last week, we moved Mimi, my 96-year-old grandmother, into an assisted living facility. I know many of you are reading this article and nodding in sympathy because you, too, have had to make this difficult decision for a parent or grandparent. Mimi no longer lives in Mt. Pleasant where she resided for more than 75 years. She’s in Dallas now, closer to her children, but still a long way from home and all that is familiar to her.

On her way to her new home, my mother asked Mimi if she was nervous. Mimi replied that she was afraid of not fitting in, not making friends, of looking different because of her blindness. She was fearful of getting lost and not knowing where she was or what to do.

Hearing Mimi’s vulnerability brought tears to my eyes, but it also brought the realization that no one, no matter how old you are, is immune to the insecurities that plague us during times of change and adjustment. It reminded me of my sons when they started a new school or class. It reminded me of myself; moving to San Antonio for the first time, then to Houston, then back to San Antonio. Would I make any friends? Would anyone like me?

Whether it’s a 6-year-old starting first grade or a 16-year-old beginning their junior year in high school; 26 and starting a new job, 46 and going back to school, 66 and preparing for retirement, and even at 96, we still want to fit in. We still feel insecure at times. And we still need support.

I called Mimi and asked her how she was doing, and what was helping her cope with all the adjustments. As usual, she was upbeat and positive, despite the difficulty of her situation. She praised her children for their support. She had only nice things to say about the staff at her new home. She is slowly learning her way around her new environment and is determined to be as independent as possible. She thanked the Lord for giving her a long and wonderful life. She has made the acquaintance of several other ladies who live close by and is looking forward to attending a musical program they are having this weekend. She is the bravest woman I have ever known. Adjustment may come slowly, but it comes if we are diligent in our prayer and have a good support system.

So this week, think about those you know who are struggling with change in their lives. Pray for them and offer your support. Make a phone call or drop them a note. E-mails are nice, too. Just be a friend and let them know that you are thinking of them during this difficult time. I promise, during your time of need, it will come back to you, tenfold.