This creative caring idea was originally posted September 14, 2011.
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TAKE A MEAL: Day 18 of 31 Days of Creative Caring
… A dear friend died of cancer. It was one of those “she did everything right” cases. Over the past few years she’d worked hard to move from slightly overweight to “fit and trim.” She had regular checkups. But last January she was diagnosed with an invasive and aggressive cancer that managed to evade the best of tests for too long, and her efforts to find a cure weren’t realized. She died at the very young age of 50 and left behind a husband of 38 years, a 20-something married son, and a daughter who just began her senior year in high school.
So how does this post qualify as a “table” post?
When Donna’s family had their world turned upside down (and inside out), friends did what friends often do. We took food so the family wouldn’t have to worry about cooking. In the process, I was introduced to a website that was invaluable for coordinating the meals. You may already know about this site — or something like it — but in case you don’t, it may come in handy someday when you or a friend has a tragic situation … and putting food on the table is the last thing anyone wants to think about.
The site is called Take Them a Meal.
You can read about how it started here … or click on the link above to go directly to the site.
Rather than passing around sign-up sheets or making phone calls, the meal coordinator simply creates a meal schedule then emails the link to friends who might wish to help. People willing to provide food just sign in … and sign up for a date. They even get a reminder email a few days before it’s their turn!
So next time you know someone who needs some help with meals, you may want to check this out.
As for Donna, I was in Brazil when she died … and sad to miss her funeral … but I look forward to the day when I’ll sit down at the ultimate banquet table with her. Now that’s going to be a tablescape! I hope you’ll be there, too…
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:he leadeth me beside the still waters.He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:thou anointest my head with oil;my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23
This is part of a 31-day series. To read previous posts, go HERE.<
I'll be linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.
I remember this post from last year and how it touched my heart. Still does.
I have never heard of this! Once again a sweet and wonderful post! Years ago I had my third baby and was so blessed with friends bringing food in after his birth. I remembered that and when my daughter had her third, we did a baby shower where you brought a freezer ready meal. She was so blessed with this.
So sweet, so beautiful post!
Beautifully placed and very elegant!
Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)