Take Initiative

When someone we know is experiencing grief we don't always know exactly what we should do. Do we let them take the lead and call us? Do we send a card and offer help, but let them take initiative? What is the right thing to do, and for how long?
First thing, be the one who takes the initiative. Your friend is grieving and her memory may be very short at this time. Don't expect her to remember who said they would help when a card was sent. Call from time to time to check up on your friend and continue to offer your help. Be specific with errands you think you could run for her that would help. Drop off a dinner, don't wait to be asked. Most times people will not ask, so here is a great time to just take the initiative and assume it will be appreciated. To make it convenient put it in a throw away container, mark and date it and offer to put it in the freezer for her.
Offer to take the kids to the park or run them to practice. If she does have younger kids she may not have had time to properly grieve since she is trying to stay strong for her kids. An offer to let the kids get out will be appreciated in many ways.
If you know your friend is going to a bereavement group, offer to go along. Support can go along way, even if it is just being there.
Remember the holidays, this can be one of the most difficult times during the first few years. A quick call, an invite to dinner or even a card just letting them know you are remembering them during this difficult time will go along way to show you care.

Above all, be genuine. Do for your friend what you would hope someone would do for you. You can't go wrong ever, by showing someone you truly do care.

How Do I Help Someone In The Hospital?

Even with family there are a lot of things that still need to be taken care of when someone has to have an extended stay in the hospital. Usually family will be near their loved one and this means errands and normal household chores still need to be done. This article will expand on some ways to offer a helping hand to someone who finds themselves in a medical emergency.

The first things you want to do is to get permission and a house key. Let the family know what you would like to do. Your friend may not be able to give permission but extended family can. Get an idea of how long they are expected to be in the hospital and time your help accordingly.

If there are pets, consider bringing the pet to your house to be watched why they are in the hospital. Many families have dogs, cats or other critters that need food and water daily. It can bring comfort to the patient to know their animals are still receiving great care.

If there are children young or old offer to run them to school, pick them up, drop them off at activities. Depending on how many extended family members are around this may not be something that is needed, but offering it and being willing to do it will show just how much you want to help.

Offer to purchase groceries for the family still at home. Unless the person lives alone there is bound to be hungry people who would rather spend time with their loved one then grocery shopping.

Pre make several healthy soups and light meals. Label, date and freeze these meals. Nothing will say I care more then coming home from an extended hospital stay to healthy wholesome meals ready to go. Simple beef broth soups, chicken and rice soup, bean soups as well as small portion pasta dishes will be so appreciated as they regain their strength.

Another simple yet mundane task is preparing the house for their arrival back home. A quick dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down the bathroom would allow for them to relax instead of seeing what needs to be done. Hang fresh towels in the bathrooms and kitchen, make sure dishes are washed and any laundry is done and put away. Opening the windows and airing out the house for a few hours before they arrive will assure a welcoming environment to come home to.

Setting up a favorite chair or bedside table with recent magazines, fresh flowers, and a sympathy gift basket filled with healthy snacks will greet your friend and make them feel like a million bucks. Place all their mail in a simple basket along with a garbage can next to the table and they will be set and ready to continue the healing process.


For even more tips on showing sympathy and unique sympathy gifts, visit PlanetGiftBaskets.com

We Send Sympathy Gifts

We Send Sympathy Gifts