(no subject)

[rivka]

If you were going to be spending several days in the hospital at the side of your sick toddler, what could someone bring you that would make things easier?

My friend Emily's husband decided to cancel his business trip, so she's at least going to have someone consistent to help, and give her breaks. But she's going to be the one spending nights at the hospital and so forth. Zoe's still very sick - they've given up on the idea that she'll be able to go home before Thursday or Friday at the earliest.

I'm going by to visit tonight. I'm planning to bring coloring books, crayons, and stickers for Zoe, and my electric kettle filled with herbal tea and cocoa packets for Emily. (I suspect that all they'll have on the unit is a coffee pot, and Emily is an observant Mormon.) I'm also going to bring by a light and frivolous novel.

Any other suggestions?

Comments

[shandra.livejournal.com]

I second something like trail mix or fruit - easy to eat, reasonably healthful.

I had pneumonia a lot as a kid, and it hurts, so something like massage oil with mint or eucalyptus for rubbing Zoe's back (vicks vaporub was our thing), if not contra-indicated, might be nice and give Emily something to do for her child - which is something I would want in her place. Chapstick like products can really help with the dry lips that sometimes come from the fever and tent and stuff.

I don't know what your budget is but if Zoe's at all into fantasy play a magic wand or wizard's hat or anything that can be used to play out wishes go a long way in making hospitals less scary.