*Trigger Warning: Loss Mentioned* What would you do?

[kaydee0402]

One of the children at daycare passed away unexpectedly earlier this month.  The mom's at daycare set up a meal train and tomorrow is my day to take a meal.  My question is should I include a card?  And if I do include a card, should it be one of those Hallmark-y sorry for your loss or just a handwritten note?  I'm trying to be as sensitive as possible but I just don't know what to do in situations like this.  Any advice is greatly appreciated.  Thanks. 

[aggiebug]

Wow how awful the family is in my prayers.

As far as your question goes. There is no right thing to say, but from everything I have ever heard from people struggling is to say something many times means the world to them. So many times we avoid saying anything because we don't want to say the wrong thing, but usually saying nothing can be worse. Here is a link to a line of empathy cards I know you don't have time to order one, but it may give you some ideas of things you can say to let them know they aren't alone.

[kaydee0402]

Aug 31, 2015 8:12:06 GMT -5 badw0lf said:

Omg that is so horrible. I think maybe it would be nice but I have no experience. Did you know the child/parent well?

Nothing more than a "hello how are you" in the mornings.  I knew the children's faces but I never learned their names until the daughter passed. 

[mishka29]

That is just awful! I agree with Aggie. It's hard to know what to say but saying nothing can be worse.

[kaydee0402]

badw0lf, I think that's what I'm going to do. A Hallmark card might be too much. I'll pick up some blank cards on my lunch. Thank you

[GeekBeagle]

OMG, how awful! That is so nice of everyone to do the meal train. I'm with badw0lf in that I'd do a handwritten note.

[seamonster]

I'd write a note. Maybe tell her something about her kid (if you remember anything).

That's so sad.

[lilyelayne]

Aug 31, 2015 10:50:31 GMT -5 badw0lf said:

Aug 31, 2015 8:22:40 GMT -5 kaydee0402 said:

Nothing more than a "hello how are you" in the mornings.  I knew the children's faces but I never learned their names until the daughter passed. 

I think a handwritten note would be better than a hallmarks card. Maybe just some nice card stock attached to the dish?

+1 to this
Praying for that family.

[nbad311]

That is very sad. You are kind to participate in the food help.

What about a pretty blank card (generic, but pretty - something peaceful looking maybe?) ?  With a very short note written inside, even just sending your condolences and thoughts. 

[kaydee0402]

nbad311, that's exactly what I plan on doing

And thank you. I think when something so tragic happens, especially the loss of a child, everyone steps in to do what they can. I live in a very small community and it's amazing how everyone has banded together over the last month to help this family. It makes me grateful to live in a small town.

[flyster]

ack that is so terrifying/sucks so mcuh. Good on your community for stepping up, and I think your idea is perfect.

[Mom2Ms]

That's horrible. I agree with what others have said. Handwritten note. Your note & food will mean the world to this family.

[emilyz320]

That is awful. I agree with the handwritten note.

[taberbtb]

How heartbreaking. That's so thoughtful of everybody to step up to help.

I know I will hold DD a little tighter tonight.

[hollydfromtn]

Definitely praying for that family. I cannot imagine what they are feeling right now. I agree with PP that a hand written note would be better than a hallmark card.