Neighbor just back from Iraq--need ideas!!

[marshallandcartersmo]

Hi everyone!! I posted this on the budget board too.........I need some suggestions..........I'd like to do something nice for my neighbor who just got back from Iraq today, but being the non-crafty/non-ideas type of person I am, I need some suggestions. I don't know him very well, I am closer to his mother (I'd call us good neighbors, not really friends). I do know he's about 30 years old, still lives at home with his parents (moved back after a divorce), single dad.

I know, not much to work with.........hopefully someone can help me!!

thanks!

 

[lyeag]

Maybe movie passes for him and the kid(s)? Bowling? How old are the kids? Something that might involve some get aquainted again time that is fun.

 

[Nancyg56]

Or maybe a gift card to a local restaurant that the kids may enjoy. Thank you for thinking of your neighbor. I know that my Nephew is a Marine who has served 2 tours in Iraq, and when he is home, it takes a while to feel comfortable. Your thoughtfulness will be appreciated.

 

[Jynohn]

That's wonderful that your neighbor has come home safely, and so nice of you to want to do something special for him. When my DH came home last month, many of the neighbors sent him welcome home cards thanking him for his service. It was completely unexpected and really meant so much to him. I think even just a card would be very much appreciated, but if you are set on buying him a gift, I second what others have said about something that he and his family can do together. Another suggestion, is that I know after being gone over a year and only wearing cammies, my husband desperately needed new clothes. Maybe a gift card to a clothing store he might like?

Thanks for being so kind to a soldier!

 

[krdisneybound]

Any nice gesture would be appreciated, I am sure. Just give him space for a while.

When my son returned home last year, he just wanted some space for a little while and one major thing he said was that "he was so happy not to have to wear guns 24/7" around him, even while sleeping.

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

DH (we're already married despite the ticker below) just got out of the military. The nicest thing he received when he got home- except me when he proposed, of course - were Thank You cards. They came in by the handful. Many of them just had hand-written notes thanking him for his time and duty to the country. A few (not many) had gift certificates to restaurants. That was a very pleasant surprise although not necessary.

You mentioned he was a single father... It's tough being the loved one to an active duty miitary servicemember. It's so tough on the kids. Norfolk, Virginia (largest Navy base in the world), has the highest per capita rate usage of Adderall. Why? High military concentration and the constant comings and goings. Sending something to his son thanking him for being such a big boy while dad was gone might really leave an impression. A gift cerificate to Toys 'R' Us for him mught be better than dinner out... Chuck E. Cheese's maybe?

Most of all, they just want space. While many readjust to daily life fine, it is still overwhelming for most. They have been living under constant stress for (usually) well over a year. Some have a tough time with the moral reflections of what they had to do while in combat situations.

Thanks you's in that line of business are few and far between. I think they are the most resounding and leave the longest lasting impression. They certainly did with us.
xoxo

 

[kc10family]

IMHO, I would cook a meal for the family, something they could eat in a few days from now when the mother/grandmother has gotten cooking out of her system and the family just wants to sit around and talk about nothing and they can just spend time together. You can add a gift card to a movie rental place so they can just veg together. I know in our house we just like to spend time together watching movies after long deployments. I also agree with the thank you cards, they are appreciated more than you’ll know.



And for you marshallandcartersmo, thank you for wanting to thank this man for his service. I appreciate your kindness.

Have a great day.