helping my neighbor out
By 4ofmyown
@4ofmyown (1119)
United States
March 9, 2013 9:49pm CST
We have lived in our house for almost 10 years and have had the same neighbors the whole time. Our neighbors are great people and we have become friends over the years. They actually called me in the middle of the night when she went into labor with their 2nd child. But, we never got overly friendly with them. In the 10 years I think we maybe BBQ'd twice with some other neighbors and gone to dinner once. Even so they have come to know our family as we have come to know theirs.
Well, yesterday my neighbors Mom passed away. I have seen here many, many times over the years...actually saw her last week as a matter of fact. I know she had Parkinson's but I think her death was unexpected. I would like to do something other than the usual flowers but I just don't know what. Since we aren't very close I don't want it to be too personal but after all these years maybe it should be...ugh I am at a loss.
What would you do in a situation like this?
3 responses
@violann (436)
• United States
14 Mar 13
When someone looses someone it is very difficult to know what to do or say to the bereaved. Sometimes just a hug is needed. Taking food over to your neighbor is an excellant think to do, the reason I say this is the fact they are grieving and don't really think about eating for fixing dinner. If food is brought they will eat. Another thing you could do is to offer to clean up the kitchen for them. I'm sure this would be greatly appreciated.
I know these things helped my siblings and I when we went through loosing our mother. Some neighbors didn't really say anything, just hugged and went about cleaning up. Sometimes that's all that's needed.
@4ofmyown (1119)
• United States
14 Mar 13
I think I am going to make them something this weekend and take it over to them. I know my husband spoke to her this morning and he said she didn't look like she was coping very well. I know they are pretty private people so they wouldn't want anything done in the house but maybe some food would be good so she wouldn't have to worry about that.
@4ofmyown (1119)
• United States
10 Mar 13
I was also thinking the same thing. They do have children so it might help them out to have "prepared" food on hand. They know they can come to us for anything...I was even thinking of suggesting watching the kids, so if they needed to just have a few hours alone for planning or just de-stressing. Thank you for your suggestion.
@roshigo58 (4859)
• Pune, India
10 Mar 13
Hi,
I feel sorry for your neighbor's mother. You have good relations with your neighbor since 10 years, you should be with them in such sad situation to support them emotionally. Passing away of mother is a great loss for your neighbor. Try to give support to him.
@4ofmyown (1119)
• United States
10 Mar 13
I did tell let them know if they needed anything to let us know...and I do know that they know they can ask us for any help. Their family has been at there house so I really felt like I would be imposing if I physically went over there but I will try to go over when I know they have no family over...thank you for the suggestion.
