HOSPITAL CARE: Day 16 of 31 Days of Creative Caring

When someone has a lengthy hospital stay ... it's a good idea to think creatively.   What are the things I'd want or need if I were that person?   Several years ago, early on a Saturday morning, I learned of a car accident that had happened the evening before. The 20-something daughter of fellow church members had sustained a brain injury and was in the hospital. Her family was very active in the church and had many friends who flooded the hospital the evening prior when they got the word. I wasn't among them; I was more "acquaintance" than "friend."   But by Monday morning, I knew most people would be back at work, perhaps even the girl's father, and her mother might be sitting alone ... waiting for her next ... Keep Reading...

THE USUAL … WITH A TWIST: Day 15 of 31 Days of Creative Caring

Greeting cards I consider them to be "the usual" response for many of us when we see a need. Illness? Send a Get Well card. Death? Sympathy card. There's nothing at all wrong with that. In fact, there's something very right about reaching out to let someone know we care.   Source   Some artsy-creative people, however, like to take "sending a card" a step further. One reader of this blog recently wrote... A lady (who became a dear friend) sent us a handmade card thanking us for visiting a Sunday School class. It was something she loves to do, and probably didn't take too much time, but it was very meaningful to me! In this day of email and instant messaging, I'm always blessed to receive ANY kind of card, ... Keep Reading...

MEMORY BOOK: Day 14 of 31 Days of Creative Caring

  This post (originally published last December) is an example of a Memory Book. Pick any subject and create a book for someone ... to show you care.     The Love Letters   The conversation began several months ago when Renaissance Man's mother was here for a visit. I learned that my 91-year-old mother-in-law has a collection of love letters written by her grandparents ... in 1888. Actually, the first letter was written December 16, 1887 -- 124 years ago this week. Frances asked if I would help her divide up the letters between her three children. I told her NO. I couldn't stand to think of treasures like those getting separated! However, I said I would make a nice set of copies for the boys -- and her ... Keep Reading...