A co-worker will be traveling out of town each weekend for 7 weeks to care for her mom who is undergoing treatment for a deadly illness. She has to come back to work each week, cuz she needs the money.....What would be something nice to do for her, without putting a damper on my finances?
2007-03-21 07:09:54 · 13 answers · asked by ((surimi)) 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
This is very nice of you to be thinking of her.
I'm sure the drive is difficult. She must have a millions thoughts going through her mind...
Why don't you go to the library and pick up some CDs for her car. Books on CD and music CDs. This won't cost you anything but will show that you care.
You could also give her a little travel care package (each Friday) with something to eat while she's driving... fruit, sandwiches, snacks, something to drink.
2007-03-21 10:45:13 · answer #1 · answered by instig8 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's really thoughtful and sweet of you. You could buy her some flowers (doesn't have to be fancy, just a bouquet from the grocery store is fine) or a nice potted plant and put it on her desk for her to find when she gets back. You could buy her lunch one day or even make her something from home and bring it in for her. I know at my old job whenever a co-worker was going through a crisis, be it the death of a loved one or some other family emergency, one person would take up a collection. They would send out a mass e-mail to everyone in the company (except that person of course) and let them know what was going on and say that they were accepting donations. They would pass around a card for people to sign and then give that person the donations they collected. You could organize the collection but it wouldn't be too taxing on your finances because it'd be a little something from everyone.
2007-03-21 14:28:25 · answer #2 · answered by Vivita 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How about a care package?
Put together a nice box of toiletries and goodies.
Co workers can then put in cards/notes of encouragement and support. If you know what her tastes are in reading, get her a few paperback novels. Also, CDs can be nice- she can listen to them (helps with the stress). Depending upon funds, gift cards from local stores near her mom can help, too.
It's very nice of you and your coworkers to help out with this.
2007-03-21 17:00:23 · answer #3 · answered by Lizzie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well something that won't take you broke and it is kinda like two gifts in one. Take her to lunch. It won't be that expensive and ....heres the really cool part...she is going thru an obviously rough time right now so you will possibly be a sounding board for her to relieve some stress by allowing her to talk with you. She may need some time just to get some things off her mind and you could provide that for her by just being a good listener. Now that would be a gift for someone in that situation. Good Luck!
2007-03-21 14:49:26 · answer #4 · answered by chcman74 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was in a similar situation, a co-worker asked me what I needed. Just ask him/her to tell you exactly what s/he needs. Feed the cat or dog while s/he is out, pick up the mail and paper when s/he won't be home. Let him/her know you really want to help and insist past the initial polite refusal for help. I know I will be forever grateful to my friend who did. What you do is so much more important than what you buy.
2007-03-21 16:24:15 · answer #5 · answered by stormraven552003 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How thoughtful of you. I know when my husband was battling caner friends would bring a home cooked meal for me. I can tell you the best way to make things easier for her is to ask what you can do. Conversation is also good but remember let her do the talking. A lot of people will shy away from the caregiver and patient as they are uncomfortable with death or a serious illness, never be afraid to acknowledge her. She is lucky to have a friend like you.
2007-03-21 14:22:15 · answer #6 · answered by lucyshines49 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
At my old job, one of our coworkers found out her father had to have an emergency amputation because of some complications with her father's cancer. We all made some casserole's she could store in the freezer and could pop in the oven at a moment's notice and we also all chipped in and got her a gift certificate for gas and one for groceries. Although, both could cost a bit. To be honest, I know when I'm down a hug and a thoughtful card is very nice.
2007-03-21 14:22:32 · answer #7 · answered by Me 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A nice travel pillow
Starbucks gift card or even 7/11 - for coffee to stay AWAKE!
A new CD
A nice card telling her that your thoughts are with her and giving her encouragement.
2007-03-21 16:03:15 · answer #8 · answered by beckini 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since she would be traveling so much, you could buy her an audio book to listen to while she is driving. If you would like to help with the finances of the trip, buy her a gas card.
2007-03-21 14:14:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If finances permit, take her out for lunch or dinner (depends on how close you are with her).
If you are close, invite her over to your house for dinner and watch a happy movie together.
Get her something personal just for her i.e., bubble bath (so she can relax).
Really depends on the nature of your relationship.
2007-03-21 14:17:45 · answer #10 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋