What to do for my neighbor?

[peppapig]

Hi everyone! So I ran into my neighbor today after not seeing him and his wife for quite some time. I was actually a bit worried bc he used to be out and about a lot, and all of a sudden, nothing.

Anyway, I saw him coming out of a taxi this afternoon with his wife and he clearly was not well. He must have had some sort of procedure done...I'm thinking a surgery bc he had one of those machines that drains the wound (my dad had one when he had exploratory surgery done).

He is such a kind man, always leaving goodies and gifts for our kids and I'd like to do something nice for him. I'm thinking a gift card to a local restaurant so his wife could pick up food and some pastries. Maybe even a pack of ensure protein drinks (they helped my dad a lot when he was recovering). What does parenting think? I don't want to be too forward but at the same time I don't want to sit back and do nothing. Thanks in advance.

[sarahandeddie]

Your ideas seem great to me. I'm sure they will appreciate it. Maybe include a little throw blanket or something with it. No matter what you do I'm sure the fact that you noticed he was ill will mean a lot.

[Deleted]

gift card, fresh baked bread or cookies
a kind thought written in a card
a serious offer to help if they need anything. Especially if he was the guy doing all the yardwork, they might need help with something that you could do or your family.

[peppapig]

Yes I was definitely thinking a card too.

And the throw is a great idea. Thank you!!!

[peppapig]

^ ah yes, good idea!!

[k3am]

We loved any kind sentiment after DD's surgery. Seriously, even the most ridiculous things that weren't anything along the lines of our tastes (i.e.: a week supply of breakfast muffins with a half inch of velveeta cheese$ were appreciated.

For neighbors, is there anything you've noticed that are "his" tasks? Taking out trash, etc? Can you help with stuff like that for them?

[peppapig]

Feb 22, 2017 23:41:21 GMT -5 k3am said:

We loved any kind sentiment after DD's surgery. Seriously, even the most ridiculous things that weren't anything along the lines of our tastes (i.e.: a week supply of breakfast muffins with a half inch of velveeta cheese$ were appreciated.

For neighbors, is there anything you've noticed that are "his" tasks? Taking out trash, etc? Can you help with stuff like that for them?

Lol okay this makes me feel better bc I don't really know them, we just exchange greetings in passing. So I feel better in thinking "it's the thought that counts".

Ugh even as he was getting out of the taxi and struggling to walk, he was asking about the kids and their wellbeing. He's so nice, God I hope he's ok.

[honda13]

Are your kids old enough they could make him a card? He would probably love that!

[Cherhorowitz]

MH had surgery 2 weeks ago I guess and he still can't really walk. Just having neighbors ask how he was doing when they saw me was appreciated. They offered to walk our dogs, run errands, one sent over muffins. Whatever you do will be appreciated, even if it's just asking if they're okay and need anything.

[Unknown]

When we found out our neighbor was battling cancer we sent a card with a grocery store gift card. I know my mom tells me even cards mean so much to her knowing how much people are thinking about her.

[peppapig]

Feb 23, 2017 8:53:34 GMT -5 @sweptaway said:

Are they older? I think offering to do chores or errands (especially groceries ) would be helpful.

Yes, they are older with kids who are grown, so they probably need someone to help with chores.  I really like Unknown's idea of a grocery gift card.  I might do that instead of a restaurant card.

[peppapig]

Feb 23, 2017 7:24:11 GMT -5 honda13 said:

Are your kids old enough they could make him a card? He would probably love that!

Yes, love this idea!

[peppapig]

Feb 23, 2017 9:52:07 GMT -5 Cherhorowitz said:

MH had surgery 2 weeks ago I guess and he still can't really walk. Just having neighbors ask how he was doing when they saw me was appreciated. They offered to walk our dogs, run errands, one sent over muffins. Whatever you do will be appreciated, even if it's just asking if they're okay and need anything.

I thought muffins/pastries would be a good idea, too.  Thanks!

[klw]

I like the gift card ideas.  When my aunt was recovering from surgery, she wasn't up to eating much so a lot of food was wasted if she couldn't freeze it.

[peppapig]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! Just walked over a card (with the offer to help and my phone number), a gift card to a grocery store, a gift card to a restaurant, and some pastries. I'll probably send over some other stuff over the next few days.

Thanks again!

[peppapig]

Feb 23, 2017 23:58:13 GMT -5 @juliagulia said:

Feb 23, 2017 21:36:21 GMT -5 peppapig said:

Thanks for the advice, everyone! Just walked over a card (with the offer to help and my phone number), a gift card to a grocery store, a gift card to a restaurant, and some pastries. I'll probably send over some other stuff over the next few days.

Thanks again!

You are a good person!

Thanks! ☺️

But for reals, he's truly the nicest, sweetest man. I'm glad to have at least made his day a little brighter.

Ok. 'Nuff cheese.