her mother died 2 weeks ago.
I told her I’m sorry but after thinking about what to say I couldn’t come with anything better than repeating sorry again. She then told me and another coworker how she died.
I want to show her that I care but I don’t want her mother’s death to become the elephant in the room each time we talk.
This is not romantic in any way.
We tend to give people giftcards to food places (like a few different ones they can pick).
We had some folks do that for us when my wife’s mom died and it did actually help. It relived some stress of having to come up with dinner when you’re depressed and sad. Getting out and eating at a restaurant can help you feel more connected to others or ordering delivery can help when you’re a mess and don’t want to be with others.
House cleaning gift certificates are also nice, if you know folks are already overwhelmed with casseroles. Same idea, taking some burden off their plate, freeing up their time off to grieve.
https://www.mollymaid.com/gift-certificates/
Another great idea!