I am in a rush so I am going to keep it brief
My neighbour passed away earlier this week. We know as we saw a private ambulance take a body, and his wife was on the doorstep as they left 😔
She hasn't come to tell us, but we know she is at home.
It's been three days and nothing, so we want to acknowledge his passing with a card and let her know we are here if she needs anything.
We are not close, but they always send cards and presents at Xmas and birthdays for the kids m and chat in the street if we see them.
Should we post a card? What should we write?
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Bereavement
Writing a card
unsurre · 22/03/2024 09:40
MaggieFS · 22/03/2024 09:51
Yes, do a card, it's a kind and thoughtful thing to do. Just say something along the lines of:
I'm sorry for your loss, will miss seeing George's cheery wave across the driveway every morning. If there's anything which we can help with or if you want to pop in for a cuppa, please let me know.
Do you know if she has family around to help? If not, she might even appreciate you knocking and invite you in there for a tea. It's a horrible time after someone dies, most people feel awkward or assume you'll have family there or assume you'll be very very busy so consequently you can end up very very alone.
Fizzadora · 22/03/2024 09:57
Why on earth don't you go round and visit.
MyOtherCarisAVauxhallZafira · 22/03/2024 10:01
I would just knock, maybe take something I often used to pop to my enemy neighbour when I'd been baking then round out that even at nearing 90 she lives a ferociously hot curry, so whenever I make a plate/tupperware for her and she'll have it for dinner the next day.
Just knock and say morning Jane I noticed I'd not seen John around, and I know his health was difficult. I just wanted to check in and make sure you're ok, I brought some biscuits if you fancy a cuppa? That way if he's in hospital and not dead you haven't assumed.
unsurre · 22/03/2024 10:14
Because we wanted to give her space and time to process whatever has happened and not be at her door when she might not be ready to talk.
Believe me I am not making decisions about what to do or not to do lightly, I'm just trying to be mindful.
Fizzadora · 22/03/2024 09:57
Why on earth don't you go round and visit.
unsurre · 22/03/2024 20:04
I knocked on this afternoon with a card, as soon as she opened the door it confirmed what I already knew and there was no misunderstanding.
I explained I had seen what had gone on outside earlier in the week and just wanted to see how she is and whether she needs anything.
She broke down and said it had all been a terrible shock, I hugged her and held her hand, and let her have a little cry.
I gave her the card and reiterated anytime she needs a chat, or any help with anything atall she can call round or phone.
It was freezing outside so I told her to get back in the warm and she said she was glad to have a neighbour like me.
I feel terrible knowing she is clearly in a bad way but glad I have reached out and she knows she is being thought of ❤️
I will take some food and flowers tomorrow and make sure it's clear that I don't want to pester her or overwhelm her but we are there any time.
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