Sympathy/Funeral Acknowledgement (Need Suggestions)

[Disneyphile]

Hey everyone -

I normally don't like to bring personal bad news to the boards, but I'm in need of suggestions.

A dear friend's father passed away last night. These people are like a 2nd family to me, and have always treated me as one of their own, so this has really affected me too.

I want to send something, but don't have much funds right now.

So, what would be appropriate in place of a pricey flower arrangement?

I was thinking of sending a card to the family, along with a picture frame ornament. Would that be appropriate?

Ugh - I don't know what to do in this situation.

[ALIASd]

Quite sorry for your loss.
Do send a card or letter. The frame is a nice idea. I'd suggest rather a nice bound journal for friends and family to share their memories and thoughts. This provides a great release for emotion and it makes a treasured keepsake for the surviving family.

[MickeysGirl]

Disneyphile, I am sorry for your loss.
Your friend will understand your financial circumstances and know your heart.
Send the card and perhaps if you have a picture of you with your friends father to send in a frame it would be a very touching memento for their family.

[Disneyphile]

Oooh, maybe one of those journals with a photo frame cover might be nice.

This is hard. I also feel guilty for not keeping in better touch.

[ALIASd]

That's past, this is for now and the future. Hope this helps.

[Olympicnut]

Definitely a card, and in lieu of an actual item, how about a donation of any amount to a favorite charity in his name? Or one the family likes. Or make them a nice meal and bring it to them.

I know when my dad died, who sent flowers basically all got forgotten about after they died. It was who made food for us, or who was just there physically that mattered most. Nothing you can say will make them feel better right now, but BEING there if you can be there, will help them out immensely. Friendships matter the most in situations like this, at least in my opinion.

[dizzydisneydee]

I'm sorry for your loss Disneyphile.

A picture if you have a lot in a collage or photo album might be good. An ornament for their tree with a picture of just him. This holiday season will be hard for them. Just be there. Sometimes just being there is what they need.

[dsnylndmom]

Oh DP I'm so sorry
I'd say defintely the card/letter and Onut's suggestion of food, is a wonderful suggestion. And like he said being there for them is the most important

[Mickey'sGirl]

Sorry to hear about your loss DP. My family sent a book of quotes about remembering a loved one. It had spaces through out the book to add your own thoughts. Tha family we sent it to sent us a thank you saying that it was the most thoughtfull gift that anyone had given them because they were able to remember their loved one and add their own memories that were suited for the quote.

[MellyMouse]

Im sorry for your loss, I send hugs your way.
I agree with whats been said up above. When my mom died what I wanted most was stories about her. I appreciated the flowers that were sent but the best thing was just a notebook that my cousin gave me. It was just a simple notebook like the one my son uses in school, inside she wrote her memories of my mother, she also taped some pictures she had when we were kids. She then had other people write their memories of my mom before the funeral and at the reception.
I still open that book and cry over it whenever I need a "mom fix"

[dramaqueen]

<hugs> everyone has already made such great suggestions- maybe in the journal you could take the time to write a couple of entries with jappy memories you have of the person. If you can make them laugh while remembering a loved one, I know they would feel grateful. If you can't make food, maybe send a gift certificate to eat out so they don't have to cook.

[Disneyphile]

I love these suggestions. Unfortunately, the family is in Florida, but my friends live here. And, after clearing my head and reading some of these suggestions, I think I have a good idea now.

For the family - I'll send them a box of fresh baked goods, a card, and a nice photo album/scrapbook.

For my friends - I'm going to make them up a comfort basket with some favorite teas, a couple candles, a journal, and some seed packets for their garden.

It shows a lot more effort than just calling a florist, and I'm sure it will be appreciated. (And much cheaper too.)

Ugh. Why do these things have to happen so close to Christmas sometimes?

[wolfy]

So sorry DP! All the suggestions are wonderful, just pick one. But don't forget to keep in touch with these people, especially now through the Holidays! Always be there for them, whenever they may need a friend. Give them a call every now and then, just to tell them you care!

[Old_School_Goofy]

Having just lost my father in January and my brother 2 weeks ago, I can tell you the card and the emtional support that you bring with it are the most important things. The flowers and other gifts are nice, but having a shoulder to cry on is the best.

[NemoZorro]

Sorry, , it is never easy. Cards do wonders; they are affordable, you could maybe personalize one on your computer. Also they let everyone know that you are at least thinking about them.

Phone calls, visits, Onut's suggestion of a meal - all good ideas. Just stay connected to whomever is important no matter what.