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12-13-2012 at 8:21 PM
Jupiter62
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Jupiter62 is not online. Last active: 05-18-2013, 10:31 AMNewbie

Her husbands deployed How to help

A friend of mine let's call her Laurie. Her husband is being deployed soon, leaving her 20 weeks pregnant with 3 kids. He won't be back for the birth. Laurie is about an 8 hour drive away which I wouldn't mind doing, but I don't want her to feel like she has to entertain. What can I do/send to help her out?nbsp;I've looked on a few websites but I've seen a lot of complaints too. Like sending a gift card to a restaurant = "GREAT now I have to lug everyone out the door." Or sending flowers = "GREAT another thing to take care of"nbsp;I would hate to send something thats more trouble than its worthnbsp;I'm sorry if this has been posted before, I looked through and didn't see anything.nbsp; /edited by mod. I know you're new, we just don't like things that specify when someone is deploying m. Vague terms like "soon" or "in the fall" are ok. :

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12-14-2012 at 2:59 AM
jjgrl55
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I'm thinking drop in for a visit, offer to babysit and make her get out of the house by herself to get her hair done, see a movie, etc. Just a few hours of alone time might help a lot. While you are there, maybe make her a few casseroles/lasagnas she can freeze for nights when she is exhausted and doesn't want to cook. Keep the visit brief so she doesn't feel pressure to entertain, like you said. 


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12-14-2012 at 7:24 AM
Igoo0304
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Igoo0304 is not online. Last active: 05-17-2013, 10:51 PMSilver
jjgrl55:

I'm thinking drop in for a visit, offer to babysit and make her get out of the house by herself to get her hair done, see a movie, etc. Just a few hours of alone time might help a lot. While you are there, maybe make her a few casseroles/lasagnas she can freeze for nights when she is exhausted and doesn't want to cook. Keep the visit brief so she doesn't feel pressure to entertain, like you said. 

This all sounds good. Alone time can be hard to find! 


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12-14-2012 at 9:28 AM
*HiS ChAmA...
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*HiS ChAmAoLe GiRL* is not online. Last active: 05-18-2013, 8:54 AMSilver
I've also  heard a lot of woman say they would love a house cleaning service come through. Or a spa package. The way I would keep the spa package from back firing would be to cover child care as well. Hope that helps!

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12-14-2012 at 9:29 AM
Silv3rlini...
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I haven't actually been in this situation yet. Army keeps changing their mind on when my husband is to deploy, right now we're looking at after the baby is born. But I would think just letting her know that you are thinking about her would be very helpful. Call her and talk to her on the phone, listen to her, or even sit silently on the phone with her. Ask her if there is anything you can do for her. I agree with what PP's have said about going for a visit though I realize that could be tough. Don't just stop after a few weeks in, but try to make yourself available via phone, text, email, etc throughout the entire deployment.Hope that helps :nbsp;Also praying for her, her husband, and the people her husband are deployed with.

Edited by mod, please don't post specific months for deployments

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12-14-2012 at 9:46 AM
*HiS ChAmA...
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*HiS ChAmAoLe GiRL* is not online. Last active: 05-18-2013, 8:54 AMSilver
I've also  heard a lot of woman say they would love a house cleaning service come through. Or a spa package. The way I would keep the spa package from back firing would be to cover child care as well. Hope that helps!

BFP #1 11/07/2012 EDD 07/09/2013 M/C 11/22/2012

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12-14-2012 at 10:27 AM
katyj25
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First off, I think that is great that you are caring and want to help your friend. You sound like a great friend yourself.

Does she have family near by? If so, maybe you could set up a day for her family to take her kids and come and surprise her with a spa day or a mani/pedi. Get her out of the house for a few hours.

Even the smallest things help though. Just a phone call to let her know you are thining of her and talking to her later at night when the kids have gone to bed would be great. I know when MH was deployed, it was nice to just have someone to talk to.

Perhaps there is also some place in her area that does a "Meals on Wheels" type of program. Perhaps you could send dinner some night.


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12-14-2012 at 3:53 PM
TomHope201...
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Find out her favorite local restaurant and meal from there.  Then order delivery for her.  I had a friend do this for me the last time my DH was deployed.  It was nice not to worry about cooking dinner that night and also nice that I didn't have to drive out in the cold winter weather to pick it up.

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