Suggestions for friend who lost her Dad

[bigrock74]

One of my good friends lost her Dad suddenly this weekend. Her parents were vacationing in Florida and he had a massive stroke. I have a large, close group of girlfriends and we would like to do something meaningful and special for her. We already have freezer meals covered, and I am going to do a light grocery shop for her Mom before they return from Florida so she will have the basics when she gets home. 

Toward the end of February we have a girls weekend planned and I thought it would be nice to give her a gift then. Something to remember her Dad by (not that she will need help with that). Any ideas?

[emilillies]

Someone gave me a really beautiful picture frame when I lost my mother. I think it's made of porcelain and has "carved" lilies up one side. I keep a picture of my mother in it on my dresser. It's such a simple gift but I really love it and it is very meaningful. My advice is to keep it something very simple.

Thinking of your friend.

[Leapinglizards]

When my SIL passed away my friends came over and cleaned my house. They also left a counter full of snacks and bubble bath. It was nice to come back from the stress of dealing with funeral arrangements to a clean house and food. They also got a gift for the baby (I was pregnant at the time). It meant the world to me and I could never repay their kindness

[honeybee434]

When my dad passed away last month our closest friends surprised us and hired a cleaning service to deep clean my house while we were out of town for the funeral instead of sending flowers. I cried when I got home it was such a nice gesture and one less thing for me to worry about since that was the last thing I wanted to do. They even scrubbed out my oven. Every little corner was spotless. That, meals and restaurant gift cards were the thoughtful gestures that helped the most.

Honestly the one thing I wished someone would have done is offered to take DD for a few hours so I could have time to just sit and reflect for an afternoon, be by myself and have the house to myself to just cry or do whatever I wanted without having to worry about the baby. If she has kids, giving her some alone time would probably be a huge help.

[bigrock74]

Thanks for your replies, you've given me some great ideas! I hate to hear of people losing their loved ones. It makes me sad, especially now since my friend just lost her Dad. You think I would have a tougher skin when it comes to death because I work in a funeral home but...nope, it doesn't. I'm a big cry baby.
I hope you all have lovely memories of your family members that have passed away

[luckynumbers81]

Ditto on the house cleaning, when my mom passed it was chaos making arrangements and people were constantly coming and going.

Another of my absolute favorite gifts is a necklace with the deceased's writing on it. I have one that says "Love, Mom" that was taken from a card she wrote. It means so much to me, but it definitely involves some sleuthing.

[honeybee434]

Jan 27, 2015 10:03:25 GMT -5 luckynumbers81 said:

Ditto on the house cleaning, when my mom passed it was chaos making arrangements and people were constantly coming and going.

Another of my absolute favorite gifts is a necklace with the deceased's writing on it. I have one that says "Love, Mom" that was taken from a card she wrote. It means so much to me, but it definitely involves some sleuthing.

I love this! I've meant to scour through old letters from my dad last month but forgot until you posted this idea. Thank you!

[bigrock74]

Jan 27, 2015 16:00:44 GMT -5 honeybee434 said:

Jan 27, 2015 10:03:25 GMT -5 luckynumbers81 said:

Ditto on the house cleaning, when my mom passed it was chaos making arrangements and people were constantly coming and going.

Another of my absolute favorite gifts is a necklace with the deceased's writing on it. I have one that says "Love, Mom" that was taken from a card she wrote. It means so much to me, but it definitely involves some sleuthing.

I love this! I've meant to scour through old letters from my dad last month but forgot until you posted this idea. Thank you!

That's a great idea. My friend (a different friend) had her Dad's signature tattooed on her leg after he died.

We've decided to my my friend wind chimes so she can relax in her hammock and think of her Dad when she hears then. Mike, Spencer and I will be going over for a visit one day this week and I plan on bringing her an orchid.

Again, thanks for the ideas.