I was thinking back, way back, to my mom's first bout with cancer- I was 14. And i was trying to think- what gifts would i give to someone based on what I remember?
This is what I came up with- a bed jacket. i remember my mom was cold a lot- I guess it was the chemo. She used to wear her sweaters to bed, but if a friend got cancer, I'd get them a bed jacket, so they would feel pretty and warm, and some pretty cashmere socks, or some other kind of special warm socks, and some pretty slippers. I'd get them a hat, and a matching scarf, or a baseball cap- if they were more casual. My mom was tired a lot, even during the day- so she used a mask- the kind that blocks out the light. I'd put one of those in the basket- maybe one that was scented with lavender. Your friend will need some good books- my mom read a lot in bed. I would think a bed table would be a nice thing to have, if the chemo makes her really tired. My mom just used an old tray, but it would have been nice if she'd had a bed table or desk.
Anyway, I hadn't thought about this time in my life for a long time, and I was glad to have the chance. I generally don't think about the times that were scary or unpleasant- but there was a lot of good stuff too. I remember sitting on my mom's bed a lot, telling her about my day, or just talking. |
