Friend/Neighbor mother killed - car accident

[UMTerp]

I just found out last night from another parent at the school that a family who is very active in helping out at our school was informed that the wife's mother died in a car accident yesterday. Apparently, her DH blacked out or something and he was hurt (he is in the hospital) and she was killed. I know both the husband, wife, and their five kids from school activities but we don't really socialize with them outside of those activities.

I would like to do something for this family but I don't know what. I thought about contacting the person who told me because she is very good friends (almost like family) with this family. Do you think this is the way to go?
Any ideas?

TIA!

UMTerp

 

[akhenaten]

I think contacting the person who informed you and is friends with them would be a good start.....
to the family

IMO dropping a meal off is always appreciated.....

 

[C.Ann]

I think contacting the person who informed you and is friends with them would be a good start.....
to the family

IMO dropping a meal off is always appreciated.....

------------------

They may need a sitter too - if that's something you would consider..

 

[UMTerp]

Thanks.

Yes, I will offer to babysit for them if they need me to.

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

I would suggest bring over meals for them to heat up and eat for the kids. How tragic.

 

[pumba]

meals always work for the families.......I did cupcakes too for a family near us ....and a few put in the oven and warm up casseroles.....
babysitting is always a good thought too
Feel so sad for the family too.......Prayers for them all

 

[soccerchick]

Thanks.

Yes, I will offer to babysit for them if they need me to.

If you can do this, please be insistent. Suggest a day and time. Ask again. I just went through a hard time w/ my dad's surgery -- mom is my regular babysitter. I felt so bad asking people to watch my kids (and they ARE good kids when other people watch them )

Hugs to you for helping them!!

 

[TinkerBess_SnowTori]

It might seem a little silly - but along with meals we have sometimes taken over paper products - paper plates, napkins, papertowels and toilet paper.

That way clean up can be easier after the meal -- and with so many people in and out of the house visiting and paying respects -- toilet paper can run out quickly - and it is nice to have some extra on hand

Silly sounding I know - but someone brought us some and we did appreciate it.

 

[ducklite]

Bring small "busy" gifts for the kids--coloring books and crayons or craft sets. Bring a meal or baked goods with disposable utensils and plates. Ask if they have any errands they need run--or a carpool you can fill in for. Offer to take their kids to a movie. Buy some multi-packs of tissues. And just be there for them.

I lost two brothers in a car accident shortly after Christmas about 20 years ago. The people who were the most helpful were those who just came and sat with us or took care of details. No conversation was needed, their presence was comforting. I had been out and about when it happened, and a neighbor tracked me down for my mom and dad and told me. A friend drove me home and when I got there my parents had left to go to my sisters college to tell her and bring her home (she lived on campus about 45 minutes away). As I walked through the door another neighbor met me, and gave me a huge hug--to this day I'm grateful that she was there for me. She didn't need to say a thing, that hug said it all. Other friends took my youngest brother (the only one who was young enough to still need supervision) for a few hours a day for the next couple of days so my parents could tend to details.

Another neighbor made herself our "phone police" and fended off calls from the media and basically took messages day and and out for us.

I am still grateful to those people. Their presence and help made a horrofic situation a bit easier to bear.

Anne

 

[UMTerp]

Thanks everyone! Your ideas are great. It makes me feel that I can do something for them that might help.

UMTerp

 

[agnes!]

Sometimes in these situations I've taken over a Honey-Baked Ham (or half a ham). The Honey-Baked Ham stores also carry various types of turkey breasts. I figure that any of these meats are already cooked & sliced, keep well and can be utilized many different ways.

agnes!