Wanting to Give Something Special to Mom That Lost Son in Military This Year.

C.,

If you know some of your neighbors invite her over to your house for a Christmas Party with other neighbors. Or, invite her over your house for a dinner before Christmas with your family. It would help to be with other people at this time.

If you know your neighbors ask them to take her a Christmas card and maybe some of their home made cookies. Or get one card and go around to your other neighbors and have them sign one card for her and present it from friends in the neighborhod. It would be helpful to her just knowing others care.

Just a few ideas.
R.

Hallmark usually has military-themed ornaments. You might look there for an idea. They also have very nice gifts for people who have lost a loved one.

Your story brings tears to my eyes. My heart is broken for your neighbor. I am an army vet who served in Desert Storm and I am also a mother who cannot image my son going away to war....much less, not coming home. I would think that a christmas ornament of an angel, with his name, rank and 2008, would be beautiful. You could start a tradition where every year, she receives a new ornament, in his honor & memory.

C.,
Could you email me his name. I belong to a group www.heartmadeblessings.com. Please check out our "OPH" or Operation Purple Heart Page. I would like to check and see if we have his next of kins information so that we may send a special comfortghan to them. I don't think they would be able to make it by Christmas but I would like to get them on the list if they are not already there. I don't know if you know or have heard the term "Gold Star Mother" but that means that that mother has lost a child in war. They have a web site but I am not sure what it is and don't have it here at work, try looking up gold star mothers, perhaps they have something there.
If nothing else I am sure that a nice card and a wonderful warm hug letting her know you remember and are there for her will do wonders.
M.

I would imagine that your neighbor was given a military flag at her sons burial. If your budget will allow, I would purchase a shadow box for her to store and display the flag. You could have the box engraved or simply find a nice poem print it out on card stock paper and present both to her. Anything you come up with will be looked upon as a nice gesture and I'm sure your neighbor spirits will be lifted.