"Thanks for the food!"--Not Another High-Carb Dish!
Deaths. They happen eventually in all families and in everyone's life. It is especially bad when the death is sudden, and happen to a very close loved one. It is very common for those survivors of the deceased to be given gifts of foods and flowers.
Now these are always well meaning, but the flowers will wilt and start rotting in their vases, and unless you are looking to make those who are grieving to do more work, and have more to worry about, that gift will not be viewed in a kind and thankful way after 2 or 3 days. Potted plants, which will live longer are preferred to cut flowers. If a group of co-workers are all sending gifts they should try not to send more than 2 of the same type, or even just hold off sending gifts for a week or two, because too many gifts add to the confusion and chaos that occurs after an unexpected death, and expected death. Sending a gift of food or a donation to a charity in the name of the deceased may mean more than fresh cut flowers to the family of the dead. Especially if the gift of food is given two or three weeks after the death.
Food not given immediately is much more warmly received than food given in the first week. When three weeks after uncle died a co-worker of my aunt gave her a dish of Chicken Pot Pie, it was greatly appreciated. It was a truly delicious and heartfelt move. My Aunt and I appreciated it so much, but it reminded me of a problem with most of the foods that were given. A lot of perishable food suddenly came into the house, that was not expecting a death, and so there was food to be eaten, and some days I would be throwing out 5 pounds of food a day. Between the dinner food and desserts, it was really sad for us. We had to throw out what they had so kindly given because the whole family couldn't eat the amount of food given.
Desserts though, I felt guilty eating a cake or other desserts, it didn't feel right, but it would have been a hurdle to cross eventually. I feel like they are the one food that should be sent only in small portions. If what is being sent can't be eaten by 3 people in 2 days, or it is bigger than a paper plate, then it's probably too much. Assuming the gifts are intending to be uplifting, fattening cakes and unhealthy food won't do that. Giving vegetables, and healthy food is better for the health of the family and better for them emotionally, especially if the relative died of a heart attack, or some other poor health condition.
Now these are always well meaning, but the flowers will wilt and start rotting in their vases, and unless you are looking to make those who are grieving to do more work, and have more to worry about, that gift will not be viewed in a kind and thankful way after 2 or 3 days. Potted plants, which will live longer are preferred to cut flowers. If a group of co-workers are all sending gifts they should try not to send more than 2 of the same type, or even just hold off sending gifts for a week or two, because too many gifts add to the confusion and chaos that occurs after an unexpected death, and expected death. Sending a gift of food or a donation to a charity in the name of the deceased may mean more than fresh cut flowers to the family of the dead. Especially if the gift of food is given two or three weeks after the death.
Food not given immediately is much more warmly received than food given in the first week. When three weeks after uncle died a co-worker of my aunt gave her a dish of Chicken Pot Pie, it was greatly appreciated. It was a truly delicious and heartfelt move. My Aunt and I appreciated it so much, but it reminded me of a problem with most of the foods that were given. A lot of perishable food suddenly came into the house, that was not expecting a death, and so there was food to be eaten, and some days I would be throwing out 5 pounds of food a day. Between the dinner food and desserts, it was really sad for us. We had to throw out what they had so kindly given because the whole family couldn't eat the amount of food given.
Desserts though, I felt guilty eating a cake or other desserts, it didn't feel right, but it would have been a hurdle to cross eventually. I feel like they are the one food that should be sent only in small portions. If what is being sent can't be eaten by 3 people in 2 days, or it is bigger than a paper plate, then it's probably too much. Assuming the gifts are intending to be uplifting, fattening cakes and unhealthy food won't do that. Giving vegetables, and healthy food is better for the health of the family and better for them emotionally, especially if the relative died of a heart attack, or some other poor health condition.