Christmas

vickiecook
vickiecook Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Caregivers #1
Does anyone have a suggestion for what I can do for my brother and sister-in-law for Christmas? She has oral cancer, a feeding tube and a tracheostomy. I live in another state and can not be of much help. I would like to give them something that would ease my brothers stress and cheer up my sister-in-law. Thanks

Comments

  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    #2
    No joke
    I am a survivor of tongue and neck cancer. Had half of my tongue replaced, along with a radical neck dissection.

    The best gift I ever received (and I must admit I am a sick puppy as is the guy who sent it): a rubber band chicken.

    It is a stuffed animal resembling a chicken, but with a long, strong, rubber band attached. It is actually a sort of sling shot. You pull the chicken back and let 'er rip. Scared the heck out of my two dogs :).

    You might not go that route.

    The point is, the best thing might be to keep it light, to make it something amusing and memorable. I cherish that chicken, believe it or not.

    And when I was in the hospital later, recovering from a lobectomy and subsequent staph infection, a simple teddy bear from someone on this site meant the world to me, for some reason.

    It doesn't take much. The chicken is looking at me from an upper shelf of this computer desk right now. The teddy bear rests comfortably on a lower shelf and also looks at me.

    Not much help, I'm sure, but the best I can do :).

    I salute you for thinking of your bro and his wife with this understanding that a fruitcake won't get it done.

    The ladies that respond will have better ideas, I know :).

    Merry Christmas!

    Hope and Humor!

    Take care,

    Joe
  • zahalene
    zahalene Member Posts: 670
    #3
    If you can't afford a rubber chicken.....
    perhaps I can make another suggestion. :)
    When I was down and almost out from severe side effects of chemo, I received a modest little basket from all the members of a group I was a member of. It was filled with small gifts of comfort (body cream, lip balm, a poem, etc). Each gift was attached to a scripture verse because these people knew that that was where my hope lay and that I could use daily reminders of God's promises. If the Scriptures are not a part of your brother and sister-in-law's life, you could use any uplifting passages you have come across that have meant something special to you or that seem to speak to their particular situation. You might get as many family members and other friends to contribute to the basket as possible. The idea is to share your 'gut' with them. That message always comes through.
    And if you can afford something like hiring a house cleaner once a week for them, then go for that too. I dare say that gesture will be richly appreciated as well. :)
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #4
    another idea
    I too had a group of friends who showed their love by getting a giant card and each person (there were 23) posted reasons I should get well and memories we had shared in the past. They then took a group photo with them holding a large sign expressing their love for me and wishing me well.

    All of this was inside a bucket that held crossword and word search books, along with a few gossip magazines because even though we all say we do not read these they knew I wouldn't mind getting a few. :-) Others had placed uplifting books of miracles and angels and even a small joke book. This thoughtful gift meant the world to me, I still treasure the photo and card.

    In addition to the above I also had family that came and cleaned for me during difficult times. Since you are so far away if this is something you think would be appreciated perhaps you could send them a gift certificate for a cleaning service in their area.

    Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! My best to you and your family!

    RE
  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    #5
    RE said:

    another idea
    I too had a group of friends who showed their love by getting a giant card and each person (there were 23) posted reasons I should get well and memories we had shared in the past. They then took a group photo with them holding a large sign expressing their love for me and wishing me well.

    All of this was inside a bucket that held crossword and word search books, along with a few gossip magazines because even though we all say we do not read these they knew I wouldn't mind getting a few. :-) Others had placed uplifting books of miracles and angels and even a small joke book. This thoughtful gift meant the world to me, I still treasure the photo and card.

    In addition to the above I also had family that came and cleaned for me during difficult times. Since you are so far away if this is something you think would be appreciated perhaps you could send them a gift certificate for a cleaning service in their area.

    Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! My best to you and your family!

    RE

    In response to my two lovely friends
    What???

    This is Christmas!

    Go with the slingshot chicken. Or something of the sort :).

    (I do think the cleaning service is a great idea, by the way, but at least include a slingshot chicken with the gift certificate).

    Take care,

    Joe
  • vickiecook
    vickiecook Member Posts: 2
    #6
    Christmas
    Thanks for the suggestions. Actualy my sister-in-law has a great sense of humor and might appreciate the chicken.
    Vickie

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