Dear Caring Carol,
My best friend’s mother recently passed away and I wanted to send her a sympathy gift but not the usual flowers, fruit basket, or donation to charity. I want something more personal that my friend can always cherish. She was so close to her mother; they did everything together. Do you have any suggestions?
Undecided in Urbandale, Iowa
Dear Undecided,
While flowers, gift baskets, and donations are always appreciated, I can understand why you would want to give a more personalized sympathy gift to such a close and dear friend. You say your friend and her mother did everything together. What activities did they do together? Shopping? Dining? Traveling? Perhaps you could suggest a similar activity to keep the tradition going. You might want to make it clear that you are not trying to replace her mother but merely allowing her to continue to experience those events she so cherished with her mother.
How about a day out at a spa where she can be rejuvenated in body and spirit? If you are looking for something more tangible, why not have a tree planted somewhere on your friend’s property. This would be a lasting and loving tribute to her mother, one that would be a constant reminder of how close they were. You could also present her with a plaque engraved with a sympathy message or verse, to place near the tree. Being such a dear friend, I’m sure whatever gift you decide upon to express your condolences will be appreciated by your friend.
Caring Carol
