HOW TO ADD CHEER IN A DIFFICULT TIME
Emotions are universal, and nothing pulls people together more than difficult times. Illness and loss bring us together in ways that comfort us during difficult times. Here is how we found a way to add cheer in a difficult time.
It seems like yesterday we received news of a close friend’s cancer diagnosis. The amazing news was it was treatable with a great prognosis. As we have learned we often will live with certain conditions and diagnoses thanks to students who excelled in biology, engineering, computer science, chemistry, genetics, and all of the disciplines that never interested me.
But I love to bring joy and laughter and how to bring cheer to others during a difficult time. That is my superpower!
With that said the treatments were a beast and we were nearing the holidays. There were scheduled meal deliveries and the familiar Coleman or Yeti cooler on the front porch.
My husband and I wanted to do something that would add a little cheer to the upcoming holidays.
And then I got an idea– one that was a little over the top with a side of Lucy and Ethel. I shared my idea with my husband because it would require his help. He was totally on board!
We set into motion the plan with the help of their then-high school-age kids.
This was not a casserole. It was guaranteed to make her and her family laugh during the chaos of treatments and doctor appointments.
HOW TO BRING CHEER IN DIFFICULT TIMES
To pull this off we had to do the following:
THE CHEERFUL PLAN
- Inform the kids about the surprise and coordinate the logistics.
- Locate exterior outlets on the patio
- and coordinate the timing for maximum shock and joy
- We did a test run in our entryway before heading up to their house.
- Are you ready for the surprise? Any guesses?
CHEER WITH AN INFLATABLE SNOWMAN
We were there waiting in the kitchen for their reaction just steps from their backyard. Frosty the Snowman was set up in their backyard but the windows on the main level made him visible from every room.
It was an evening filled with laughter and questions about the logistics. But in that moment during the holidays, it was a distraction and an unexpected, heartfelt gesture.
Never underestimate the power of an inflatable snowman.
What ideas do you have to bring cheer to friends, strangers, and family members during difficult times?
Please pin or share this idea for others to find.
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