shall I buy her a birthday present?

[Moomin]

A good friend of mine is terminally ill and has around 6 months to live. WE share the same birthday and usually swap cards and meet up around our birthday. Our birthday is on TUesday and we're meeting tomorrow. It'll be the first time we've had the chance to talk properly about what's happening and I'm frightened I'm going to cry when I tell her how much she means to me and my dh and dds. We don't usually swap presents but I'd like to buy her something just as a token but I don't know if this seems weird or OTT? Dh thinks I should just give her a card and then buy her little gifts, send pics from dd1, postcards etc as time goes on rather than just for her b'day. I like this idea and will do it anyway but shall I buy something for tomorrow as well?

I would Moomin. Maybe buy her a treat - like a pedicure? I like your dh's idea of sending stuff over time though.

I hope tomorrow goes OK for you.

Are flowers too emotive? She wants to meet in a public place so we don't "cry all over each other" (her words) so I don't want to start us both off straightway which might happen with flowers maybe (just thinking what I'd be like)?

I know it will be difficult being in a public place, but there's nothing wrong in acknowledging that sometimes it takes something drastic for us to realise how much an individual means.

If you gift reflects that, I am sure it would be appreciated.

I hope you have a happy birthday on Tuesday.

I would avoid flowers TBH - perhaps go for something more personal or more lighhearted?

Yes, slim think you are right. She loves jewellery so maybe some nice earrings

That's a lovely idea