In Times of Deepest Need- How To Be There For Your Friends and Family

The days that follow the death of a loved one all seem to run together. People come and go, plans have to be made for the funeral/memorial service. Final arrangements and documents have to be submitted. Gifts that have been given may go unnoticed for weeks. Not because the gifts are not appreciated or wanted, but because their days just blur into each other and before they realize it weeks have passed.
What is something you can do that will stand out? Can you give a gift that will make an impact now and years down the road? Sure you can. Memorial trees are growing in popularity as a sympathy gift. I suggest that you send a card with your sympathies stating your intention to plant a tree in the honor of their loved one. However, I am not talking about a large out door tree. I found this great little gift from www.planetgiftbaskets.com that is a ginkgo biloba tree. It is a hardy disease free tree, easy to grow. When you purchase this tree, send it to yourself. Plant the tree and tend to it for its first year. After all the last thing on some ones mind when they have lost a loved one is to water a plant. Most plants and flowers that one receives following a tragedy will not be cared for. Once again not because of ingratitude, but they honestly have other things plaguing their minds.
When should you gift this mini tree? On the one year anniversary of the passing of their loved one. The one year anniversary is another one of the hardest times after their loss. Remembering, replaying, reliving the events of that day the year before, but without the huge support this time. What better time to show up with a gift that is one year old, lovingly tended, as a memorial of their loved one. Not only will they appreciate the thoughtful gift, but it will become a treasured item as it serves as a living memorial. They can remember their loved one as they tend to and care for the tree. It serves another purpose too. It shows them that their loved one was not forgotten by others. Your gift will be remembered and cherished for years to come.