X-mas Gift for FIL with Cancer

Dear NW,

The first things that came to mind were a handmade hat to keep his head warm made out of baby yarn so that it is not real heavy and tight (that is, if his skull is not too sore to put anything on top of it).

The second thing I thought of was a grabber. I have seen them in White and White and also K-Mart, Walmart, or Target. It has a long handle and it grabs things that you cannot reach well. He could sit in his chair or lie down in his bed and pick things up more easily.

L. C.

Does he have a cd player? How about some music he likes or audio books? Or if the have a DVD player, maybe some old movies that he used to like watching.

If you can work it out, a visit with the grandkids would be perfect. He could hug them & see them in person. Much better than if you waited for the funeral. Take photos of the visit to put in a photo album. Make a photo album for them & one for you guys so you can always have the memories. Even if you can't travel, maybe send a photo book of you guys, so they can see how big the kids are getting. Put in handwritten notes from everyone. Traces of kids hands, drawings they did, memories of your husbands childhood, sentimental things that won't cost you much, but mean more than what money can buy.

Well what about a subscription to Netflix?? it comes to the door and since they are home more it might be fun for them. or a nice picture of you and your family in a nice frame. Mind you the informal kind are the best kind and more beloved than everyone wearing the same clothes and looking perfect. How about a cleaning lady for your mom. or you could go to hollywood video they have gift cards for 2 movies, candy, drink and popcorn for 11.00 or tickets to a play, that could be special. You could make you FIL and MIL blankets that is personal. '

good luck

Kind of on the same line as the photo frame....Snapfish and Shutterfly (as well as other on-line photo shops) have beautiful books that you can make with pictures of your children, family photos with grandma and grandpa, etc... The books range in prices and once complete, offer a great sentimental gift that your MIL and FIL can display on their coffee table, shelf, etc. You can personalize the books on each page as well.
Just another thought!! Good luck!

N W,

Are there any resturaunts in your in-laws area that deliver? Even if they can't go out they can enjoy dinner at home without cooking or clean-up, maybe gift cards to someplace like this? Also if your MIL is stressed taking care of your FIL how about a home cleaning service? Something to lighten her load and lessen her stress? Just a thought. God Bless.

I just found a great book for my husband's Grandfather. This is something your FIL might enjoy.

"Letters to Sam: A Grandfather's Lessons on Love, Loss, and the Gifts of Life" by Daniel Gottlieb

The book is written by a man who was paralyzed from the neck down after an accident to his grandson who is autistic or has severe asbergers (sp?). It looked like the kind of book that everyone should read.

Good luck!

I hope your FIL makes it through chemo and radiation well.

-C..

Here are a couple of ideas...if you are into this sort of thing, make a lap blanket. When my father was going through cancer treatments, he like receiving one. Especially if you can make it, it gives the gift a bit more sentimental value. You can even make it out of polar fleece and cut the sides into strips and tie them together in double knots. Or, what about books on tape or puzzles? God Bless.

Make a collage or poster board full of his life's pictures, and write a heart-felt poem for the very center of it, how you feel about him, how he's such an important part of your life, what a treasure it's been to have him in your life, that sort of stuff.

blanket or fleece wrap?

I know that everyone has pictures, what about a decorative photo album with different times in and occasions in his life and the family? I know it is a little late in the season to prepare for this, but just remembering the happy times in peoples lives, brings joy! And maybe your Mother-in-Law would love to have a pedicure! Just a couple of suggestions. I hope it helps some!
J.

Maybe a personalized gift? Something for grandpa with your boy's names? There is a kiosk at Oakland Mall that has neat things that can have names added. Example, I got my FIL a gift from there, it was a big bear sitting in a chair with 2 small bears on the arms of the chair. You can pick what the small bears look like, boy or girl, and have whatever you want written. I put my daughter's names and Papa Bear for my FIL. There is room on the top of the chair you could put Merry Christmas 2008, or whatever you would like. My FIL loved it! Maybe a massage or something with relaxation for you MIL. Good luck in choosing! Merry Christmas!!

How about something that would help out both your inlaws? Arrange to have someone come to the house and clean or deliver groceries and cook a nice meal maybe. With all the stress, help around the house would probably be much appreciated.

Happy Holidays,
L. and co =)

Since they are out of state and maybe you don't see them too often, how about a digital picture frame already loaded with pictures of your kids. That way both FIL and MIL can enjoy it.

Merry Christmas!

I like the idea of the preloaded picture frame (that Bev gave). I think he'd like seeing pictures of the family.
There are websites that you can send someone an entire dinner. My husband office did that for their boss a few years ago. They sent them a lobster dinner. And it came with everything.

How about a photo album or collage with sentimental pictures and your own crafty personal touches?

When my FIL had cancer he received some books that had optical illusions, short stories etc. These worked well for times when visitors came and conversation was difficult as time went on. It also gave the grandkids something to do during visits and it's simple! Keep praying.

NW,

I am so sorry about your FIL. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Since "laughter is the best medicine" what about a DVD box set of his favorit sit-com (M*A*S*H or All in the Family) or some of his favorite funny movies (3 Stooges, National Lampoons Movies). He might even enjoy a homemade video of you and your kids. (We always record those special moments.. but don't always take the time to watch and enjoy them again. It might make him feel closer to you!)

Just some thoughts.. I hope they help!
Merry Christmas!
Peace,
B.

I'm sorry to hear about your FIL. A girlfriend of mine is going through the same thing. One thing she really liked is a gift certificate for a cleaning service. Of course you'd have to find out what options are in their area but I'm sure it would be helpful. Does your FIL like doing things with his hands? Maybe a wood working set he can do on his lap...