Gifts for Friend with Terminal Illness?

I so appreciate your response, Rootmere. I'll have to take note of that (I am not a movie watchign person, unless occasionally in theater, but when get some time, will try to see if I can find). I do want to keep hope. But I also will have to find support groups, perhaps that they can go on. The biggest fear and risk is getting any infection. It is too much of a sad reminder of one of my dear friends about 5 years ago. He was diagnosed with another type of terminal Leukemia, and I kept every hope up after his family gave up right away. But I called and contacted doctor friends and professionals in that field; all said it was fully terminal, and he passed away soon after from an infection. My family friend just came down with the first infection since diagnosis, so family is in fear. I "know" he'll survive this one, but I just don't want to make them fully believe he'll be better or cured, against what all the doctors are saying. I did encourage them to research and find the best doctors available for opinions and help. Thanks so much. Goodnight.

Thank you, my friend. I really appreciate your time and thought into this. I am going to copy and paste to save this discussion with your response. Best Wishes and Hopefully Good Things will come out.

Annie, Wonderful ideas. Thank you so much. I myself have given many journals over the past years to dear friends, as during some of my hardest times, the journal was a jewel of comfort for me. But lately I had stopped using them since the computer has taken over the writing land. And also, I suppose in the past I'd always spent a long, long time, decorating adn putting uplifting quotations into almost every page, and I hadn't thought to give a plain one, without spending all that time, which we don't have time to spare. Thanks so much for the great ideas. I don't know his condition right now, but I know he is very weak and needs to rest a lot.

These are great ideas.

Steph, Thanks for your kind thoughts. I appreciate it. Yes, he is very quiet when I see him, usually just once a year briefly, when he visits. All of the replies are helpful and I want to give small as well as bigger thouhgts and brainstorming, but start with small to get out right away. Thanks, hun.

Jill, Thanks!! This is a great idea. I have put this on my list of things to send. Not right away as I am sure that he wouldn't even have the strength to write thank you notes, but great idea, as he will likely have many things sent to him from friends and family, I bet. Thank you. I appreciate it. :o)

Thanks Simone, Yes, spending time is good, but not for this situation. First of all, they are all the way across the country, and I am unable to go. Second, he has to stay away from all for the slightest risk of infection which could draw the line of medical safety. It is a very hectic time I know for the family, and they said that they need to spend time on their own, unable to talk to others right now, dealing with it. The good thing is that I am working on something with his son, who I am good friends with, this time of year. Thank you.

Iris, Bless your mom, and wow for her tremendous strength and ability to overcome cancer 3x! Yes, music is a love in the family, and his son is very musical; I know that he will be getting the recording of the recent performance which will be taking place next week. Wish I had more time to write, but I have so much to do preparing; I'll see his son tomorrow. Thanks! And yes, uplifting is one of the most important things.

I'm very glad I could offer you some help

CraftyCorner. Thanks for your thoughts. Tonighth was a perfect night to collect the treasures of memories for him. I had been looking fwd to this. I threw a special party for his son's (my good friend who is in my state) birthday with 80 others. A family member recorded the music in it that I put togehter for his birthday (I put together some pics of the things I bought for the present, and mega 100 person cake i ordered). I also snapped some pics adn plan on sending them to him as soon as I can. :o) Thank you, Crafty. :O)

Thaqnk you for writing, Paula, I don;t know him personally enough like how I know the other family members, as he is quite quiet and shy. But I know he loves his kids and family so very much. And I know his son as a very long time friend who I am going to be seeing a lot of in the next two weeks, so I am going to try to get some photos and memories from that to send him.. :o) Thanks!

Hi, Thanks for your kind response. This is a good idea; I have made similar gifts in the past. Only thing is for this case, I am so busy, but his son (who I am good friends with) is even crazy busier than me. Otherwise he would be with his father right now. I think a direct family member would be best to organize the meaningful album and give, but great idea for another situation. Thank you. :o)

Great idea. Yes, I think it should be simple too. I am so busy I don't have time to prepare a long prep thing. I also don't want it to seem like a mega "farewell" jist. I like the game idea, though I do not know him personally well as he has always been quiet the short times I have seem him. I do know his son who is very vibrant and his wife who is also very energetic. I do not know what his condition is right now (how much he can move about, etc.) except for that he is frail and that his family is not ready to talk much except for medical doctors. Thanks again, I'll bring up a simple, fun game with my family for a later send. :o) I appreciate your thoughtful reply.

Thank you so much, cookiecrumbles, That is VERY helpful to know that directly. I much agree with you, for general things that can help. I need to find out more as it goes on what their needs are and don't want to push them. It is such a busy time, but I am thankful that his son is staying busy to keep his spirits up. Only thing is that the family is so incredibly too humble and soft hearted. I actually really tried to give a sum of money from my whole family 2 weeks ago, and son was so stubborn (too humble) and refused to accept. I had been thinking of that with gift certificates. Though I can't afford a lot, I'd be more than happy to give some small gift certificates. Others in family and friends have also thought that it is intrusive or unfavorable. I do think it would not hurt. That's why perhaps small amounts so not seeming petty. Thanks so much. I have to run, but I will try to get the pm to you as you noted (private message I am assuming that stands for), but you can see that I hadn't even posted on here for almost a month I've been so busy. Thanks so much for your great advice, and I wish you health and happiness.

glad I could be of some small help:)

Pyre, Thank you for posting. He is already in my thoughts and prayers. I know in my hardest days, many people sent me love, prayers, thoughts, and strength. It warmed my heart and strengthened my soul to know all the love that surrounded me. Thanks

cabz, Thanks for your response. Even if small gestures (big or small), however I can help out. I am so very busy right now and wish I had more time to think and gather something, but I want to help them cope and help them get their spirits up.

Thanks for posting about your company. I would NOT say that your therapy is any cure (at least yet), but when I have a chance I can try to check your company out and info on bio enzymes. Thank you for taking the time and giving me your contacts.

mapuang, thanks for your thoughts. yes, he is already in my thoughts and prayers. I have to learn more about his particular diagnosis and case before, when I have a chance, so I know more of what to say and wish for. Thanks.

Bing, thank you for your response. Actually, right after I had posted, I started looking for an inspiring and courageous or uplifting quotation/s or poem to put into a warm hearted card. I appreciate your thoughts.