His wife was a highly reconized nurse in the city. She fought breast cancer ten years ago and beat it, but another form of cancer took her life. She was 54. He had brought her in on a few occassions and they both came in on Easter and brought me flowers. He has been my customer almost daily for two years. I cook and serve in a small motel restaurant so I have a lot of contact with my customers. It took me almost a year to get this customer to open up cause you could tell he was troubled. He praises me daily and tells me I am like a smiling sunshine when he comes in for his breakfast. I would just like some feed back on how to approach him. Do I call him? The boss and I will be going to the funeral parlor on Sunday, but that is a long time from death, she died Tuesday and the funeral is not til Monday. I know this may be a strange request, but I hope someone out their has had a experience close to this one and can help me out.
Thanks..
2006-10-13 12:19:34 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Friends
I think it will be nice that you go to the funeral.
2006-10-13 12:23:33 · answer #1 · answered by Backwoods Barbie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a similar experience. I used to work in a pharmacy. We had many elderly customers that had been getting their medications there and chatting with us for years. When they had a spouse that passed away, the whole pharmacy staff would sign a card and mail it.
If you mail a card right away, the card will get there long before the funeral and will spare you the awkwardness of a telephone call. It might also be a nice gesture for the restaurant to send a small flower arrangement for the funeral. They are inexpensive and incredibly thoughtful. They also have cards so that after the funeral the family members can see and remember who sent flowers.
Your presence at the funeral, a hug, and a hearfelt "I'm truly sorry" is enough for your customer. You don't have to get stressed wondering what to do or how much to do. The smallest gestures are usually always enough. Best of luck to you.
2006-10-13 12:25:54 · answer #2 · answered by A.R. 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can understand where you are coming from, because I managed a club and restaurant and I went through this.
This is what I did when a regular customer of mine passed.
I went to the grocery store and ordered a fruit basket, and I took it to the house of the spouse after the funeral. She really appreciated it and she remained a regular customer with me until I resigned from the club business. I see her ever now and then on the street, and we still speak to each other.
Another person may have a different suggestion, or comment but every person is not the same.
I sympathize with you for the loss of a good customer and a good friend. Do something even if it is small.
Good Luck My Friend.
2006-10-13 12:26:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you know where he lives, bring over a pie, some brownies, a lasagne...whatever, with a card that expresses your sympathy.
My dad recently passed and those small kind acts that just acknowledged his death meant more to us than you could ever imagine. Especially from people that we part of my parents daily lives....
You are sweet and sensitive for thinking of him in his time of need.
2006-10-13 12:24:02 · answer #4 · answered by MustangSally 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think you and your boss should send him flowers to show your deepest simpathy for this sad event.
Then, I think he will appreciate a lot if you give a call or visit him personaly.
If you are around Chicago, take a look at this website (great service, nice flowers) : www.maiblossom.com
2006-10-13 12:32:20 · answer #5 · answered by frogazia 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Write a letter. And Say I'm so sorry to hear that. And take him some flowers the same kind they brought for you.
2006-10-13 12:23:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they have been so open to you as you said you can try calling him. I wouldn't stop by unless he asked you too. Just be the open ear and shoulder you have been for him for years. Maybe when you call youcan ask him he's eaten or if he needs anything physical.
Good luck and I'm sorry for that.
2006-10-13 12:26:34 · answer #7 · answered by Ronnie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Send a card and/or flowers conveying your sympathy for his time of sorrow. Listen when he needs to talk. Hug him when he needs a hug. Let him know you are there for him. But, above all, continue to be his Sunshine.
2006-10-13 12:26:55 · answer #8 · answered by Nani 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
send him some flowers right now with a card saying you are greatly sorry for his loss, also if he needs anything to call. then may be you can make him some dinner and take it to him. or something like that.
2006-10-13 12:24:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Next time he comes in, express your sympathy, and when the check arrives, say "it's on the house" a small but meaningful gesture, not to be soon forgotten.
2006-10-13 12:23:37 · answer #10 · answered by The Oldest Man In The World 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i think that it is very nice that you are even wondering what you should do. not many people out there would even care. what i think that you should do is give him a call tell him how sorry you are for his loss. if you have his address send him a sympathy card that is just from you. he will like that.
2006-10-13 12:24:09 · answer #11 · answered by here to help 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋