It might be simpler to explain it with an example. Well then just pretend it's you who is feeling so bad, and what would you like for your love to do for you. Okay so now, offer to do the same thing for your poor sick loved one. Well we all remember, so be a good Mother. And it doesn't matter if you are not the female in the relationship either.
Kindness transcends gender.
If your Mother felt the same way, you'd never have lived through the measels. So set your priorities. Some things can wait. Remember the biggest loss in your life is one you never expected. So don't take those chances.