Ideas
Hi Sisters,
I am working on a basket filled with ? to give to a mom in our area that her son was found dead in a nearby lake. He was 20....I do not know them, but in the next few months I am going to be working on this basket to give...I will be attaching a "kindness card" that I purchased through FMO.....
So any ideas or something that has helped you or you would have liked to receive....Again, this has just happened and I'm going to wait a few months to get this to this mom. Her husband is a Fire Chief that Jim knows also through work....Thanks for your ideas - I have some of my own but I wanted to hear from you. Every month I will be purchasing something......:)
Thanking you in advance - take your time, I'm thinking about 6 months from now.....you know how everyone just goes on with their life and you are still going through the motions....Love you all. Vicki
Replies
Hi Vicki, that's a wonderful idea. I think some of the things that helped me were comfort items. One of my friends gave me a set of pillows - I think it was called a spa set. You know the kind for your neck? It also has a couple of small gel cushions covered with a removable/washable pillow case that you could freeze to apply the cool pillow to your head (it helped with migraines). (Probably didn't explain that well. I hope you know what I mean). I think people gave me tea and a journal was helpful.
I am sure your gesture will mean a lot to this mom. We know how touching these kind acts can be at such an heartbreaking time in one's life. I am very sorry for this dear family 's loss. ♡
What a wonderful idea! I don't know how you'll feel about this, but I once sent a box of cheap plates that I'd purchased at the dollar store to a new mom. With the plates was a note, "instructions" if you will, to break plates when the emotions overwhelmed her. She later sent a note back to me that she would have never thought of breaking dishes, but it really helped her to release some of the anger, frustration, and emotions that she couldn't put into words. I also have given spa gift certificates, and mostly, just simply given my name and contact info saying I was available to talk, cry, scream, or just sit in silence with them. I've had a star named for Kala...that was pretty amazing and wonderful. I've had journals given to me, encouraging me to write my grief, which is always helpful. Tea's, coffee's, and chocolates are always good for a gift basket too. My thoughts and prayers join yours for this devastated new mom~ (((hugs)))
Great idea!
Perhaps a journal and pen to express her deepest emotions. Or stationery to write her son letters. I tend to use the computer but I know several people who keep hand written journals. I found it soothing to write letters to Lisa. I still do but not as often.
I am so sorry to hear that another mother has to endure the loss of a child.
Love and hugs, M
Thank you so much for your replies - In the process of thinking about doing "a basket" - I think I'm going to put together something for Mrs. T here @ work. Her son left this earth in 2009, but it's never too late , right? I really appreciate your ideas....broken plates a great idea....I'm going to keep that one in my pocket for sure....maybe even for me!!!!
Love ya! Vicki
What a kind gesture, Vicki, and I know this mom will be touched by your thoughtfulness. When most of us stand "frozen" without a clue as to what one might need, you know in ways that only another mom who is walking this path can know.
The book, Healing After Loss, by Martha Whitmore, is one of just daily meditations that my dear friend, Nancy, gave me and when I couldn't read a book in those early weeks and months I could read a page. The book is on our website as a recommended resource if you want to check it out. I also adore candles and perhaps a candle or two she would like. Anything from Bath and Body Works such as a lotion, shower gel or bubble bath. Another healing gift for me are essential oils and oils for healing and balancing the heart chakra are: geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, mandarin, just to name a few. Sometimes just placing a few oils on a tissue and breathing them in throughout the day can make all the difference.
If I think of anything else that has not already been mentioned I will circle back, yet these are what are coming in now as items that really helped me.
I too am sorry that another mom has joined us and know what a heart healer this is for you as well to be thinking of her and preparing such a thoughtful gift.
Ask Jennifer... I have no doubt she too will share with you. :)
Loving care,
XO Joanie
What a great idea, so many good thoughts from our sisters on this journey. I slam doors a lot to release stress and it helps, and no dishes to clean up. I do like that idea too. The journey and letters are good too, it gets the pain out for a bit. Hugs, Kathy