I've looked around the boards & hope I haven't duplicated something - I'm new, so bear with me.If this is in the wrong place - forgive me. My mother-in-law does something that is so special, that I have actually picked up the idea. When someone is in the hospital, hospice, going through chemo, etc., she wraps up a bunch of presents to last a week or so. Nothing expensive, just inexpensive little things from here & there and puts them in a basket & takes it to them. The smile on that persons face is so special & it gives them something to look forward to each day. I did this for my uncle when he was diagnosed with liver cancer & was dying in the hospital. He was so medicated, but would come around each day & look for the gifts. The look on his face when he opened up a hand-held whirligig & blew on it - it was like he was 6 again. It is a memory that will last with me forever.

By Mrsheidi on Friday, February 4, 2005 - 04:24 pm:

That is so thoughtful! Thanks for sharing!

By Rayanne on Friday, February 4, 2005 - 04:55 pm:

That is very sweet.
It is actually a great idea.
Do you do this for just people you know, or anyone in the hospital?

By Kateg on Friday, February 4, 2005 - 05:23 pm:

So far - people I know. It really encourages them when they are down. My DH when he was younger was hospitalized for over a week & after the first couple of days - people don't come in as much. But, he had his gifts to look forward to. My mother-in-law takes care of friends, family & acquaintances. She has a stash of stuff she keeps around in case she hears of someone. It would be a great project for a group if they were looking for something to do with a local hospital, hospice or other group. The littlest things work - nothing extravagant. Just something to bring a smile.

By Rayanne on Friday, February 4, 2005 - 07:16 pm:

If you don't mind me asking, what sorts of things do you put in the baskets?

By Kateg on Friday, February 4, 2005 - 09:11 pm:

Basically whatever you want - depending on the age of the person, of course...but here are a few ideas..sm. figurines; disposable camera; favorite snacks; feather boa; balloons (package of them to be blown up); rubber balls; jacks; books; pinwheel (a personal favorite); stuffed animals; yo-yo; colors & coloring book; notebook; a childhood book; magazine; fun lip gloss; colored pencils; and just whatever you can find in clearance after a holiday. There are stores that offer inexpensive versions of everything I mentioned.The more whimsical & childish the more people seem to enjoy them. My niece went in for spinal cord surgery last year & we did up a bag/basket for her. On her bad days she would open up more than the usual one. But she had it to look forward to. It helped to bring a smile to her face. That's what it's all about.

By Imamommyx4 on Friday, February 4, 2005 - 09:59 pm:

Glad you brought it up.