Hellobee Boards

Oh boy, thats really sad. I think a card and a basket of snacks would be really thoughtful, they're probably in a blur of grief right now so food would be appreciated. The contribution to the jazz program is very kind.

How wonderful to have close knit neighbourhood to support the family.

My father passed away, last summer. One of my mom's neighbors brought over a card with a gift certificate to a local restaurant. She wrote that once we tired of casseroles and felt ready, she hoped we could go out to dinner as a family and share memories of my beloved dad, over a nice meal. It was a lovely sentiment and ended up being really needed. While freezer meals and flowers were really sweet, it was nice to have that "permission" to get out of the house. She just left it in my mom's mailbox, so it was very non-intrusive. You could always have other neighbors pitch in on this, too.

@littlejoy: Of course! I think it's kind that your neighborhood is trying to be so supportive.

@littlejoy: when my grandmother passed away me and my mom and siblings were at her house trying to get everything in order and mom's neighbor came over with a huge breakfast tray with bagels, muffins, and cream cheese, and donuts. Then she told us lunch would be delivered later that day - it was AWESOME!!!

The last thing we felt like doing was cooking and that food was so appreciative!

@littlejoy: I would knock and just keep it short - so sorry for your loss - I wanted to bring this by - If you need anything let me know and then leave.

We were in a similar situation a few years back with one of our neighbors, her hsuband passed after a long battle with cancer and she had no other family living with her in the house but had lots of children and grandchilren who stayed with her on/off and we didn't want to be intrusive. We dropped off flowers and a card in the first few days. And then stopped over a while after to check in and see how she was doing.

@gingerbebe: Agreed.

that's why I think it'd be good to work with others to work out a sort of schedule.

A lot of flowers and meals come right at first. Waiting a week or two or spacing them out more can be more helpful.

I have not personally dealt with such a loss but I would imagine lots of people are bringing food. Perhaps a gift card that they could use for takeout when the casseroles run out? And then if they *don't* get a ton of food, they can still use it. I know many people think of gift cards as less personal but I think they're super helpful!

Our neighbors husband passed suddenly (heart attack) in his sleep this fall.

I dropped a loaf of pumpkin bread in the mailbox with a card - I didn't want to force the interaction by knocking.

We noticed people constantly stopping by and doing yard work - I cried every time I saw it bc I thought the generosity was so nice.

When my dad passed away suddenly, one of my students mom left a giant box of paper plates, plastic silverware, cups, toilet paper, etc. All the stuff no one thinks to bring, that makes feeding all the visitors, etc. easier and leaves you less dishes to wash.

@autumnlove: That's very thoughtful to make her a plate! I always like to bring fresh fruit, too, because I feel like the typical stuff is heavy - casseroles, carbs, etc.