We just found out that ds' teacher's mother was diagnosed with cancer. Her mother is in the hospital, and will be there for awhile, things don't look good. The family is taking turns staying with her at the hospital. I want to get his teacher a "hospital bag". I found a cute tote bag, and I want to fill it with things she may need while she is there. I would appreciate any items you can suggest.

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 08:42 pm:

Hmmm...

A good book or two
Magazines
Crossword/game book with pens/pencils
A deck of cards
Stationary with postage stamps
Comfy slippers
A robe
Basic toiletries

By Luvn29 on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 08:43 pm:

Just off the top of my head would be items such as gum, lifesavers, lotion, lip balm, a word search book, magazines, a small electronic game that doesn't have to have total concentration such as yahtzee or deal or no deal...

By Reds9298 on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 08:51 pm:

All great ideas already given. You are so sweet to do that for her. The only other thing I could come up with is maybe a change purse for the snack/coke machines. Yahtzee was the game I thought of, too!

By Tayjar on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 08:59 pm:

A journal. When my mom was dying, my sister started a journal. Everyday we wrote things down in it. Things mom said or things we talked about. We even recorded what she said when she was incoherent. We recorded meds and visitors, too. We were in such an emotional state for those few months that everything was a blur. It helped to have the journal to look once she was gone and we could actually focus. Bless you for thinking of her.

By Mlee on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 09:53 pm:

-Lip balm for patient and teacher.
-Post it notes (you already said pen) for reminders/communication between family members coming and going.
-Ear plugs (?)
These are things I remember wishing I had during long hours at the hospital.

You are kind to be acknowledging this struggle.

By Debbie on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 10:03 pm:

You guys are great. I already have tissue, a journal, lip palm, and lotion.

Ds says she likes crossword puzzles, so that is a great idea. I know she loves to read, so maybe I can find a good inspirational book?? I also love the change purse idea for the vending machine.

Ds just loves his teacher so much. He is really quiet, and reserved. She is so outgoing, and full of fun. He has just really connected to her like no other teacher. I think she is one of those teachers that he will always remember. So, I was really sad to hear the news about her mother.

Any other ideas?

By Marcia on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 10:47 pm:

I would put some healthy snack foods in there, too. You can't always get the best food at hospitals. Sometimes you sit in the room wishing you could get out to eat, but at the same time, you don't want to leave the person you're visiting.