It's completely understandable that you would feel hurt and disappointed in this situation. You volunteered your time and effort to help, and it can be disheartening to find out that the family didn't inform you about their situation beforehand. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Express Your Feelings: It's okay to express your feelings to the husband, letting him know that you felt hurt and disappointed that you weren't informed about the family's illness in advance. Keep your tone calm and understanding, as there might be valid reasons for the oversight.
Practice Empathy: Try to understand that the family might have been preoccupied with taking care of their sick members and might not have had the chance to reach out to you. Illness can be unpredictable and demanding, and they might not have intentionally left you out.
Offer Your Support: Express your concern for their well-being and offer your help in any other way that you can. Maybe you can assist with tasks that don't require physical presence or postpone your visit until they have recovered.
Set Boundaries: If you find that situations like this are happening frequently or that your goodwill is being taken for granted, it might be necessary to set boundaries for your volunteering activities. It's okay to be kind and helpful, but it's also essential to respect your own time and emotions.
Communicate Clearly in the Future: If you plan to volunteer again for this family or others, discuss clear communication expectations upfront. Ask them to inform you if there are any changes or cancellations in advance so you can plan your time accordingly.
Find Other Opportunities: If this experience has left you feeling discouraged about volunteering for this family, consider seeking other opportunities to volunteer and help those in need. There are many organizations and individuals who would greatly appreciate your kindness and assistance.
Remember that misunderstandings and oversights can happen in any relationship, and it's essential to approach the situation with empathy and open communication. If you decide to continue helping this family or volunteering elsewhere, your kindness and willingness to support others will be appreciated and make a positive impact.