|
|
Gifts to Send a Friend BEFORE a Loss JANUARY 20, 2017 / ADINA BAILEY / 
Last week, I wanted to send a care package to a friend who is walking through cancer with a beloved family member. I was thinking of her constantly. Because I needed some fresh ideas for this type of care package, I checked in on Facebook to ask what others are doing for their friends. The response was overwhelming and I want to share with you all of the fabulous and caring ideas. Below you will find an incredible list of gifts that say "take care of yourself" and "invite stillness and permission to grieve". Gift Items Vintage Cloth Handkerchiefs - more comforting than Kleenex. "It's neat to think of the generations of women before us who relied upon these pretty things for day to day use as wells big occasions. It's a comforting thought to know these slips of fabric have endured through countless runny noses and broken hearts. They remind us that all storms pass, but we will endure, as the handkerchiefs and the women who used them." ~Stacey Lavender scented eye mask Mary Kay eye gel (for puffy eyes) Burt's Bees Tips and Toes Pampering Kit Sweet smelling candle Soft cozy blanket or throw Blank journals Bath salts Your favorite music on CD Bonsai tree (for serenity) Soothing herbal plant (like lemon verbena) Disposable plates, cups, and silverware (with a note that says thinking of you - I'll do the dishes for a while) Wind Chime (with engraving) Knitted Shawl Calligraphy Gift Cards Manicure or pedicure Massage Food Flavored coffees and teas Calming tea - like chamomile Suckers (or lollipops) like good chocolate ones and tootsie roll pops Chocolate Hot cocoa Homemade Cookies Books I'm going to list all of the books mentioned, but please know that I haven't read them all yet... they just arrived and are on my nightstand. It's always good to read a book all the way through before deciding to give it to a friend. A devotional book A Sacred Sorrow by Michael Card A distracting, fun read Healing After Loss by Martha Whitmore Hickman Deeper Than Tears, Promise of Comfort and Hope by Thomas Nelson Publishers Life Lessons by Elisabeth Kugler-Ross, M.D. and David Kessler It's Not Fair: Learning to Love the Life You Didn't Choose by Melanie Dale If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits by Erma Bombeck Family the Ties that Bind... and Gag! by Erma Bombeck From the Heart Remembering a friend during a difficult time does not need to be costly. Certainly, gifts can be enjoyable to give, but handwritten words of encouragement can mean the world to your friend. Your words don't need to be perfect, but just a reminder that you a just a call or text away. One woman gave the follow idea which I love... Trace your hands on paper and cut them out. Connect them with a long ribbon. Mail your connected hands to your friend and call it a "HUG". Please help me continue this list. How do you encourage your friends during a difficult time? Read other recent articles by Adina Bailey:
 |
Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. Our own joys and sorrows have taught us that a well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes to take to friends, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you. Helpful Posts
Recent Posts...
|
