Take Care
What does it mean to take care of someone? We’ve all encountered someone in our lives that needs our help. Sometimes they are open to it, and sometimes they resist. No one wants to be a bother or to seem needy, but trust me, there comes a point when asking for help or delivering that help is paramount. What will you do in that situation? How will you react? I have been a mom for 24 years (the ultimate caregiver in my opinion) and also in that time I have been called upon to help others in various situations. Today I will share with you my tried and true ideas that will surely bring comfort to anyone in need.
First of all… food. We all need it, and let’s face it, it takes time and energy to prepare a delicious, healthy, home cooked meal. You can’t go wrong with sharing your favorite recipe with someone who is struggling due to illness, stress, fatigue or loss. Food brings us together and makes us feel good. The term comfort food dates back to the sixties and today there is no shortage of comfort food ideas out there. I have prepared the following meals so many times, I have the recipes memorized:
Chicken Pot Pie
Turkey Meatloaf
Beef and Barley Soup
Chicken and Rice Soup
Egg, Spinach and Goat Cheese Frittata
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Shepherd’s Pie
Ham and Cheese Pie
Chicken or Shrimp Orzo Salad
All of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time and they all freeze well. Sometimes I double the recipe so the recipient has a meal to eat right away, and a meal to save for later. What are some of your favorite recipes? Make it a point to have a few in mind just in case you need to whip something up for a friend or relative on short notice.
Second idea…care package. This does not have to be expensive at all. In my experience, you can’t go wrong with sending a little something through the mail. Even if you live in the same city, leave a package on their doorstep. When I was sick around Thanksgiving, my daughter’s boyfriend sent me tea and honey from an adorable tea company in his hometown, and let me tell you, it made my day!
Ideas for a care package:
Warmies: the cutest stuffed animals filled with French lavender that you heat up in the microwave; it provides comfort through aromatherapy (not just for kids I promise!)
Chicken Soup for the Soul Books: there are hundreds of titles to choose from in this series; these wholesome books are heartwarming, funny, spiritual and motivational.
Other fun items include: a weighted blanket, flowers, your favorite game, essential oils, lotion, cozy socks or slippers, hot chocolate and candies.
Lastly, never underestimate the power of a handwritten note. In times of great difficulty, we all need to know that we are loved. Sending a personal note to a friend or family member, letting them know that you love them, care about them and are thinking about them, will be sure to bring comfort and healing. In my opinion, this tiny gesture is perhaps the most important idea of them all.
One last thing I want to mention. Please don’t forget to offer support to the primary caregiver. A husband taking care of his wife or a daughter caring for her dad is under an enormous amount of stress and pressure. They are tired, overwhelmed and may not know how to reach out for help. Let them know you are there for them no matter the time of day or night. This too is an invaluable gift that will be appreciated when the time comes.
