Guest post by my dear friend, Deb Gardner Allard, author.
How Can We Help?
We never know when our lives might be upended. One minute we’re running around at high speed and boom, an accident occurs, and we’re immobile for several months. Especially if we’re quite active, having our routines suddenly come to a stop can be devastating. Two hundred pounds of granite crushed my foot. Needless to say, multiple bones were broken in multiple places. But during the ongoing recuperation, I’ve been blessed by wonderful friends and family. Many people ask, “How can we help?”
Here are some things people are doing that brighten my day.
Visiting–talking and/or watching ongoing series together or playing a game like Yahtzee.
Washing, drying, and hanging clothes while doing the above.
Manicuring nails–something I can do for others and also receive.
Massaging hands and feet–relaxing and pain reducing.
Cooking–making a pot of something: chili, stew, soup, pasta dish, or some other yummy meal ahead of visit and dividing it into small plastic containers to create meals for a week.
Sending cards or free e-cards once a week.
Writing frequent emails with cheerful backgrounds.
Sending an unexpected gift in the mail–a book (used books are a fantastic gift), a video, magazine, puzzle book, or creative gift box with items a person would appreciate while recuperating.
Bringing a gift such as socks, a blanket, a mug (along with a meal of soup), hand lotion, hand sanitizer, towelettes, etc.
Staying for a couple hours so the care-giver can run errands.
AND last, but truly the best gift ever.
Praying for pain relief and recovery.
These are simple ideas but huge blessings for someone recuperating. Many involve nothing but time. In our busy day and age, the gift of time is more valuable than money. My friend, Pat, sent cards every week, cheery emails, and even an unexpected gift in the mail. My daughter got me hooked on “True Detective” which we watched together, and my daughter-in-law brought food and did our laundry while we watched “The Bachelor,” just to name a few wonderful deeds by family and friends. They were all blessings I’ll remember forever.
Next time someone is recuperating, instead of asking “What can I do?” consider something above and surprise them. It will make their day!
Bio: Deb Gardner Allard enjoys writing for children of all ages. Her picture book, Baby Poopsie Loves Ears, illustrated by award-winning illustrator Jack Foster and published by Guardian Angel Publishing is a jovial joy ride in alliteration. Deb is now in the midst of penning three middle grade novels. When she isn’t writing, Deb and her hubby enjoy exploring Michigan towns and walking the boardwalk along Lake Michigan in quaint little Grand Haven. To check out her book, click the link below.
https://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/poopsie.htm
You can learn more about Deb at her website:
http://www.debgardnerallard.com
