Care Package for Friend with Sick Husband

[PrincessPeyton]

I don't know what to do so I turn to the people that know everything...YOU! I found out today that one of my friend's husbands has been diagnosed with cancer. We became friends when she was working with me in locally but actually lives 9 hours away from me.
What I need help figuring out is what I can do/send to help out. I contacted a great couple that own a Dream Dinners out near her that were willing to deliver and assembly the dinners I purchase for free. I would like to send something that will help her and her 2 teenage daughters. I figure the Dream Dinners will fill the necessities but now I am looking to lift their spirits.
I have been very fortunate in my life where i have not had to go thru anything remotely close to this. So I was hoping some of you out there could let me know what you truly appreciated from your friends when going thru a difficult time in your life. Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

It's so nice of you to help your friend out during such a tough time. Having dinners sent to them will certainly be a big help. Perhaps you can send some extra treats every now and then for the teenagers. Earlier this year, the mom of one of the preschoolers in my class was in a small plane crash. She broke her leg and her right arm and was laid up for months. Several times, we sent home goodies for the family like muffins, cookies and cupcakes. The mom was so appreciative to have some little treats on hand for her 4 kids because she couldn't bake them herself. She said it was also nice to have something to offer people who came over to visit her. Perhaps you could occasionally send care packages to the family with baked goods, and maybe some magazines or other fun treats for the teenagers.

 

[Katy Belle]

I think the Dream Dinners is a fantastic idea. That will be soooo helpful! You are a good friend

As for a 'pick me up' gift... I'm kinda coming up blank My first thought was magazines and i-tunes cards, thinking she may be waiting at appointments, etc... but perhaps shes more of a full time caregiver, then she will have no time for magazines. I'm thinking something fun to open... like some candy or something fun.. but can't really come up with anything!

She is lucky to have you!
Katy

 

[Trishtack]

My DH was paralyzed last year with no apparent cause. My friends that lived away were supportive in calling me often. Sometimes I didn't have a chance to talk much but just knowing they were thinking of us made a difference. A friend kind of local visited DH in the hospital and that was very uplifting to me that she cared enough to make the trip.

I would have almost killed for a stack of books to just fall into (figuratively) when the nights closed in. We have a 4 yr old so not sure about the girls but I imagine that movie passes or Starbucks even would be a great treat that would allow them to get away for a bit.

Food almost becomes something that had to happen and most often than not on the run that I could have been eating straw and I wouldn't have known. I was lucky that my parents moved into our house and helped care for our daughter while we went through 5 hospitals. So meals wasn't something on my list. But I imagine the Dream Dinners would be outstanding in releasing some of the pressures off your friend.

You are a great friend. I hope your friend's family has the best of recovery.

 

[powellrj]

Gift cards for restaurants in the area would be a great help. I know when I have had family members ill, we would find our ourselves eating out often. Trips to the hospital are exhausting and many times we would just do carry-out because it was easy.

The Dream Dinners is a great idea!

 

[MSSANDRA]

If her DH is home I think the dream dinner are a good idea as she will want to still offer the family nice meals. If however, he is in the hospital, gift cards are VERY nice. DS was in PICU for three months as a baby and we were never at home and ate all meals on the run and it got very expensive. As bad as it sounds, some fast food might be a better choice than good sitdowns as we would never take that long to eat. Fast Food has better choices now too. Dollar bills for the vending machines, snacks for the room, magazines,are all good for hospital visit.

At home, maybe a few pamper items. Bubble bath, nail polish etc for your friends and the girls???

A nice hand wirtten note is always special as well. Call often but leave messages and tell her she does not need to return the call you are just checking on her.

Blessings for the family.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I have to second, third, and fourth the fantasticness of you sending dinners on. What a special thing you are doing!

As for the rest of the family, what about sending gift cards for special outings for mom and the girls (manicures, movie tickets, gas cards to help pay for doctor trips, bookstore GCs, gossip magazine subscription - something desperately shallow to use as a distraction) and what about gift cards to a restaurant for mom and dad? A special night out for the two of them!

Best of luck with whatever you choose!

 

[Bren's Mom]

The Dream Dinners idea is just brilliant! Really awesome!

And I think a gc for manicures for all 3 ladies. I'm sure dad will want/need some quiet time during his treatments/recovery and this will give the girls time to be with their mom to talk about what is going on.

And maybe a gc for dad to Borders or B&N, or Amazon, for him to choose and order (or have his wife pick up) a book or a bunch of magazines that he'd love to read during treatment.

God bless you for bring such a great friend.