tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post891867516769232186..comments2024-03-27T03:28:54.496-04:00Comments on A Gift Wrapped Life - Gifting Tips, Advice and Inspiration: Bringing Small Comforts ~ Let's TalkA Gift Wrapped Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07205794177017599676noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-74761782130610743552010-02-18T13:38:21.009-05:002010-02-18T13:38:21.009-05:00A great idea. I just "missed my chance"...A great idea. I just "missed my chance" with a friend with cancer whom I was putting off visiting because it was awkward. Now she is on her deathbed and not alert, medicated, comatose. I regret this so much. Thanks for reaching out to us to remember. MarcyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-39976220931783588302010-02-09T20:45:48.811-05:002010-02-09T20:45:48.811-05:00My name is Julia C. from Buenos Aires, is the firs...My name is Julia C. from Buenos Aires, is the first time that I read your blog ( but not the last) This post is a "human post" and behind it I'm sure there is a real human being. Thank you, since now I'll be a follower of your blog.<br />lasillachic.blogspot.comLaSillaChichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06428288154588366639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-8671043116462514032010-02-08T07:21:08.656-05:002010-02-08T07:21:08.656-05:00Dear Sande,
So sorry that I'm late with my com...Dear Sande,<br />So sorry that I'm late with my comment on such an important issue.<br />You are so right about this. I remember years ago, someone told me that , when her husband died, people crossed the street, rather than have to say something. I know it's slightly diferent, but it is along the same lines. I always ask people how they are if they are very ill and I always say, if you don't want to talk or want a visit, that's fine, but call when you do.<br />Thanks so much for bringing this delicate subject up and make us remember those people who are suffering and need our support. XXXXJacqueline @ HOMEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06154045482594773377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-73393949598264277632010-02-08T02:39:39.318-05:002010-02-08T02:39:39.318-05:00Sande,
These posts go straight to the heart. Keep...Sande,<br />These posts go straight to the heart. Keep them coming! We all need reminders that life shouldn't be so rushed, and that the most important thing to cherish are those we love and care about....friends and family. <br />Beautifully written, thank you.<br />~MelissaSimply Mel {Reverie}https://www.blogger.com/profile/15881462293605864150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-13470898836811277532010-02-08T02:36:13.394-05:002010-02-08T02:36:13.394-05:00Making time, at any time, is the best gift of all....Making time, at any time, is the best gift of all...Lovely post Sande, xv.vicki archerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07847183975086900816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-19376629735062898882010-02-07T22:02:10.607-05:002010-02-07T22:02:10.607-05:00I have been battling lung cancer and the chemo I h...I have been battling lung cancer and the chemo I have been taking is not strong enough to shrink my tumor and a new small cancer that has appeared. So I am supposed to start a new stronger chemo on Wed. If they will let me start it with an upper respiratory infection. I am lucky to have had so many people show their concern and kindnesses to me. Please don't stop posting about cancer. Awareness is so needed.<br />Sincerely,<br />nancy<br />www.rivieraboardwalk.blogspot.comRiviera Boardwalkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08846584964190578779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-59115672769086042032010-02-07T21:43:24.733-05:002010-02-07T21:43:24.733-05:00Thank you so much for this post. I am battling lun...Thank you so much for this post. I am battling lung cancer. The chemo I have been taking is not strong enough to shrink my tumor and a new small cancer has appeared. So if they will let me, since I have an upper respiratory infection, I am supposed to start a stronger chemo for 3 wks. on Wed. then off a week and back on again for another cycle then they will do a PET Scan. I am so lucky to have so many people that have shown me concern and kindnesses. Please don't stop posting about cancer. <br />Sincerely,<br />nancy<br />www.rivieraboardwalk.blogspot.comRiviera Boardwalkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08846584964190578779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-54946497134216792712010-02-07T19:43:09.442-05:002010-02-07T19:43:09.442-05:00I am catching up with your Small Comforts series a...I am catching up with your Small Comforts series and I am really enjoying reading it. At times I find myself nodding my head and agreeing with you 100%. We cannot be all sunshine and roses all the time ~ this is life and this is reality. Thank you for this.Lorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00933214618325580791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-55836725467895617452010-02-07T18:14:10.974-05:002010-02-07T18:14:10.974-05:00We just don't take the time. In the past, we ...We just don't take the time. In the past, we took the time. What has happened? It's not good!<br />I love your post. Keep the truthful and kind words coming.<br />TeresaTeresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08117805878140453338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-3277212455642844002010-02-07T18:00:06.294-05:002010-02-07T18:00:06.294-05:00good advice. my mom started losing friends to can...good advice. my mom started losing friends to cancer around my age<br />(50) and i can't bear to part with any of my friends. <br /><br />she taught me through example, that her support and time made all the difference.myletterstoemilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17555607498974287844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-20429090360893111772010-02-07T17:42:24.853-05:002010-02-07T17:42:24.853-05:00couldn't agree more, Sande....great thoughts. ...couldn't agree more, Sande....great thoughts. We do hide behind our "busy" a lot and miss out on opportunities to really connect with others, because it is safer. Bull on safer.....we are blessed when we connect. that's it. thanks for addressing this!<br /><br />Suzannesoutherninspirationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963496784797926400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-60813292342848649222010-02-07T17:06:12.514-05:002010-02-07T17:06:12.514-05:00Sometimes the truth is painful but you have writte...Sometimes the truth is painful but you have written it with eloquence, giving a gentle nudge in the right direction.Ingrid Midahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03609389355426171504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-86635932280526588282010-02-07T17:03:36.721-05:002010-02-07T17:03:36.721-05:00I have found that crisis brings out the best in pe...I have found that crisis brings out the best in people. Luckily, I haven't had many...but, when I have, friends have been wonderful. I also see that when it has been someone else's crisis, we pull together, we organize meals and visits, childcare and rides. I've been lucky to avoid those that are "too busy" but I must say it is their loss. There is nothing quite like helping someone who really needs it.<br /><br />SueSuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03190096917851087676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-16573138037052416032010-02-07T16:41:19.587-05:002010-02-07T16:41:19.587-05:00Thank you Sande for putting it all out there and d...Thank you Sande for putting it all out there and digging deep to continue on with this topic. I am picking up the phone right now to make a long overdue call.<br />NathalieDolceDreamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05324143360354660739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-78938817159465406962010-02-07T16:34:40.103-05:002010-02-07T16:34:40.103-05:00Thanks Sande, I really appreciate the posts. I als...Thanks Sande, I really appreciate the posts. I also find the comments very moving too.<br />xoxodebra@dustjackethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02397055465607649038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-65955470714538259152010-02-07T16:26:05.004-05:002010-02-07T16:26:05.004-05:00Thank you - and I love that you blog is mixed with...Thank you - and I love that you blog is mixed with all kinds of gifts - the kind that you buy and the kind that are priceless!North of 25Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07927245858208029154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-66940089461131921542010-02-07T15:45:59.705-05:002010-02-07T15:45:59.705-05:00Sande, this is so introspective. I look inside and...Sande, this is so introspective. I look inside and wonder if I have done justice to friends in need in the past. I hope that in the future I am more aware and I think I will be thanks to you and your wonderful post, Thank you for these wonderful words,KathysueKathysuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11272239664279235716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-47255108464047714182010-02-07T14:54:39.588-05:002010-02-07T14:54:39.588-05:00We are the best entertained least informed people...We are the best entertained least informed people of all time .We are fed a steady "news" of taboid format ,filled with useless information of scandals and gossip.Yes we are busy.<br />But what if we change our thinking of the words us and we .If we say some of us have ..or some of us are .. Instead of they have or they are?It is like throwing a stone in the lake and watching the circles expand.Alettesiriane https://www.blogger.com/profile/11281469317636896685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-3984669092379882382010-02-07T13:37:45.589-05:002010-02-07T13:37:45.589-05:00I love your encouragement to get out there and sac...I love your encouragement to get out there and sacrifice your time and comfort for the sake of those who are sick or grieving. <br /><br />I want to say this as gently as possible, the only thing I was uncomfortable with was the encouragement to become a pest. I know you didn't mean that literally but were making the point to visit often---but to balance it, I wanted to say that when I was seriously ill, I tended to appreciate phone calls more than visitors. The illness and treatment took so much energy that it was often too much for me to handle, having someone stop by. At the same time, I loved and was helped tremendously by phonecalls asking how I was doing or how my day went. Especially in the evenings when my fears ran rampent and the loneliness was most acute. Listening is one of the greatest gifts we can give. <br /><br />Thank you for the sacrifice of your own energy and emotion in addressing this topic. You're doing a wonderful job and I look forward to each new post. :)Julienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-6116238343603558182010-02-07T13:33:05.260-05:002010-02-07T13:33:05.260-05:00Such a well needed message to all of us. My mother...Such a well needed message to all of us. My mother was blessed with such devoted friends that were either always there in body or a phone call away through her fight with cancer. I have been so disappointed with my life-long friends & some family that have not said any words of sympathy since her death on Jan 1st. I agree that often people hide because they don't know what to say, but long ago someone gave me that advice that it is not about me, it's about sucking it up & being there for them. Now my mother in law in Scotland is going through the same thing, (terminal stomach cancer) and although she does not like to talk about "feelings", I'm wanting her that no matter what, I'm calling & writing if even to say, "I care, how are you today?". Bravo to you Sande, bravo. xDumbwit Tellherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18148671166061931241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-83822481746585130672010-02-07T13:15:08.670-05:002010-02-07T13:15:08.670-05:00Sande, you are a gift. And your post is dead on ri...Sande, you are a gift. And your post is dead on right. I'm going through a very rough time right now, perhaps the roughest ever and my friends have come out of the woodwork to support me. Having them do exactly what you mentioned has been my saving grace. Thank you. Love, kitty.Kittyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15308101220891195220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-77433872984288447322010-02-07T13:01:47.777-05:002010-02-07T13:01:47.777-05:00Simply beautiful, Sande. I'm copying this into...Simply beautiful, Sande. I'm copying this into my personal note file to keep in front of me.<br />My precious husband, who is the most handsome man - has always looked young for his age, even now - has Alzheimer's. He doesn't know me at all. We've been married for 10 1/2 years, so we didn't have children together, ours were already grown. His adult children from 2 previous marriages don't like me at all, but they acknowledge that "he's happier" when I've been to see him. Yes, all it takes is time, time we might have spent fiddling away doing nonsense. I wish I could meet you, I admire you so much. MarshaSplenderosahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06421992667097947469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-2756042387658422252010-02-07T12:50:03.275-05:002010-02-07T12:50:03.275-05:00One thing I have also talked to friends with cance...One thing I have also talked to friends with cancer or terminal illness is to treat yourself at least once a week. A manicure, a trip to Barnes and Noble, to a museum, A red sweater on the sale rack, even a walk along your favorite path.<br />It does not have to cost much, or anything!<br />KarenaKarenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05206642885608991170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-79416874202072480012010-02-07T11:45:19.386-05:002010-02-07T11:45:19.386-05:00My friend, we'll call her A, had a 2 year full...My friend, we'll call her A, had a 2 year full on struggle with leukemia, we lived too far away to pop in...but we did manage a trip a pilgrimage of sorts, to the hospital where she was in isolation after stem cell transplant...I made her a visitor's bench, country style, distressed and wrapped in a large peach satin bow!....the looks we got from the staff were priceless!!<br />Visitors sat on this bench where before it was standing room only. I'd like to think they could linger longer...she is 5 years cancer free....stuffies from her ordeal now sit on th bench in her guest room.<br />I appreciate the gestures however simple they may be...everyone of us need comfort and support...let us hope that we do not need to be seriously ill before our friends and loved ones spend time with us.<br />Lovely and inspiring post as usual, merci beaucoup.hostess of the humble bungalowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06453827257671312902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8574953613921369798.post-77250317579038378392010-02-07T11:25:23.097-05:002010-02-07T11:25:23.097-05:00Thank you for speaking important words. As a nurse...Thank you for speaking important words. As a nurse and a woman I have been a part of much illness, suffering and death. I cannot emphasize how very very important it is to be present for a loved one. You don't need a gift, you don't have to say a word. Just go, sit, hold a hand, stroke a forehead, give a smile, share a tear. Please. If you ever thought even for a second, "should I go?", the answer is already YES. Make a difference when it means something.<br /><br />KatharinaOne Woman's Thoughtshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15583825153877354947noreply@blogger.com