I REALLY need your gift suggestions!!

[KathyT]

My brother lives in Chicago, no family around, very few friends as he just relocated there 9 months ago. He is going through a really rough time, I spoke with him yesterday and I am worried about him. Job crisis, health problems, he really sounded depressed which is so unlike him.

I want to do something for him but don't know what. I am so far away from him. Send him something to cheer him up. Any good suggestions? I am open to anything and really appreciate the help.

Thanks.

[angie r]

I know when I was away from home that I loved getting any kind of "care package." Snacks, notes from my nephews, words of encouragement. It didn't have to be anything expensive, just something to show I was being missed and thought of. Send them often!!

[Diane]

I like angie's idea... care packages are wonderful! :) Also... sometimes just by sending a card every now and again to let him know that you care and that you are thinking of him. Is there any way he would/could consider moving closer to home and family? Hope things improve for him. :)

Diane... :wave: :bounce: :wave:

[KarlaB]

Love Angie's idea. Maybe include some family photos? Homemade goodies? And, like she said, I would do it often. :)

[sassy mom]

I have found the most fun book ever! It is called "The Blue day book" and it is wonderful for cheering anyone up. It has the most wonderful pictures of animals and uplifting messages. I LOVE IT! Garaunteed to brighten anyones day.

[RCT]

I love the care package idea too....filled with lots of stuff you know he loves, baked goods help alot :)...and a pre paid phone card too...so he can call you or whomever and not worry about the price.....

your brother is lucky to have you as a sister....I hope he feels better soon....

[Marla]

You got some wonderful suggestions...the care package with all the wonderful things from home (pictures, home movies, drawings from the kids, home baked goodies, letters) is a great idea

[Lynda-WA]

I agree with the care package idea. I also have lived away from everyone and everything I knew. Letters, e-mail and pictures are biggies. It's amazing the number if things someone *thought* they told me. That's exactly what it was too - a thought that never made it to paper! You can really start to feel out of the loop unless someone keeps you up to date. And when you send those cards make sure you add at least a couple of sentences in there. I'd get so frustrated when I'd get an envelope and anticipate news from home. Open it up and its just a signature. I still appreciated the thought but no message was a bit of a let down.

Does he have e-mail? I've just started getting my photos put on CD. It'll be so easy to send favorite photos via e-mail. Plus you can send a short little message every day or two.

Ask if there is any favorite product that isn't available were he lives. I once had a friend bring me back a Hardee's Hot Ham and Cheese. She picked it up on her way to the airport and had them wrap it very well. I've heard of people planning a vaction to include eating Krispy kreme donuts.

And for the baked goods - does he have a favorite? Those are the best even if it crumbles in shipping. I've seen guys eat cookies with a spoon and rave about how nobody can make a chocolate ship cookie like their Mom.

[KathyT]

Thanks guys, great suggestions. I went out and bought him some of the Canadian Olympic stuff from Roots, and the dks wrote him letters and drew him pics, so I will send that off. It is just so hard not to reach out and give him a hug, you know?

Lynda LOL about the baked goods. Can you send baked goods across the border? I really don't know.

Anyway, thanks again!