Make laughter the best medicine
Sometimes it comes as a real surprise when a member of the family becomes ill or needs surgery requiring a long recuperation period. Last fall, my husband, a middle-school principal, had unexpected heart bypass surgery. Many factors contributed to his excellent recovery, but without a doubt, it was the steady encouragement of his faculty, students and others that made a big difference in his attitude.
Looking back, I’ll never forget the day sixth-grade English teacher Mrs. Wright came by our house with a huge plastic jar in her arms and a bright smile on her face. A handmade label across the jar read: “A Joke a Day Keeps the Doctor Away.” It was filled to the brim with slips of paper, each containing a student’s favorite joke and wishes for a speedy recovery.
The “Joke Jar” was a big hit in our house. It’s a creative gift to make and give to anyone who needs a daily chuckle and extra boost of encouragement. Whether the recipient is a grandparent at a nursing home or a neighbor kid recuperating from the chickenpox, everyone enjoys a good laugh.
Friendship and care can be expressed in many other small ways, too. Here are more ideas for thoughtful things you can do:
Meals That Heal
Deliver homemade soup and a loaf of bread. Be sure to call ahead for a suitable time to come by and, if possible, use food containers that don’t need to be returned to you.
If you don’t have time to prepare a meal, a gift certificate from your market’s deli will be much appreciated.
Entertainment
Bring a favorite music CD, or check out a good movie on DVD at the library. A book or book on tape and current magazines are nice diversions, too. Kids love a new deck of cards, fun stickers to put on their bandages or casts, finger puppets and games you can play together.
Plants and Flowers
Personalize a pretty bouquet of flowers or a potted plant with photos. Ask your florist for a few extra plastic prongs that hold the small message cards. Attach a photo that is meaningful to the recipient in each prong. Add to the arrangement or plant.
Get Well Cards
A homemade card using pictures from magazines and your own humorous captions is a great way to lift the patient’s spirits.