Since I find myself in the midst of another hospital stay I thought what better way to commemorate (or commiserate) than with a helpful list of things people need in-house.
Let’s start with the basics:
1. Toiletries: For most of our incidents I’ve known we were headed for a stay and packed accordingly. However, at least twice we’ve been admitted suddenly or for longer than I was expecting. On these occasions, I’ve needed anything from tissues to tampons. Seriously. A little goodie bag of essentials can make a captive mother feel like a woman again.
2. Cough drops or peppermints: Hospital air is dry and can cause dry throats. A little something-something to keep a cough at bay is recommended.
3. Food: It’s hard for me to put this as number three on my list, I might even move it to number two if I wasn’t lazy. Food is one of the things I miss the most. There is a cafeteria downstairs. I try to avoid it. I can only eat so much pre-made sushi, hamburgers, and pizza. I’m not even going to mention the mushy fries, dried out entrees, and hot dogs. See, not one word about them. Instead I’ll tell you that our hospital is a little isolated… meaning there aren’t any restaurants within walking distance. There are, however, two other hospital cafeterias I can access. Is it sad I know which one is the best out of all three?
All of this to say, if you’re coming to see me, you better bring me food. I like you and all, but you’re my only link to the outside world, and the part I miss the most (other than a normal life with things like all my children and spouse under one roof) is good food.
(I would like to note how convicted I am right now about complaining about the type of food I have access to being that many people around the world are starving.)
4. Reading material: Magazines, books, crossword puzzles. Anything to keep a mama’s mind busy. I’m sure people have different preferences, but for me I tend to read gripping stories during Ryan’s hospitalizations; nothing too heady or intellectual. My mind won’t focus on that sort of stuff when I’m here.
For long-term stays, there are needs at home too. I remember when Ryan lived at the hospital many people came around us and helped out practically. I don’t know how we would’ve gotten through otherwise. Some ideas:
1. Meals for the family. Contact the mom directly or as in our case, have one facilitator who coordinates with meal providers. There are some great websites that make this easy. One is Take them a Meal.
2. Clean their house. Yes, I just said that. Go clean the bathrooms, sweep the floors and do the dishes. In most households, when mommy’s gone these things go undone. There were many times I had to choose between coming to the hospital to visit Ryan or cleaning my house. Knowing someone was coming to do it for me was a big stress reliever. (Thank you to my sister, Katie, who drove 1.5 hours one-way to clean my house and do my laundry every week for a long time!)
3. Childcare. Splitting time between kids is hard, so knowing they have someone they love and trust to play with is critical.
If you’ve found yourself in the middle of a hospital stay, what did you appreciate having brought to you?
P.S. Ryan has a common cold. We’re in a holding pattern until his body can fight it off. He’s on tons of support and being monitored 24/7 by the best team I know. Yesterday and today will be quiet days.
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (14)
When my daughter was in the NICU for months, the 2 best things I was given was rolled quarters for the vending machines and offers for taking my older daughter on play dates.
Thinking of you and hoping you can go home soon.
Oh, make that 3 things….chapstick!
I’m one of your followers and just want you to know, prayers of strength and grace are with you.
Like the list. All important things to a hospital stay.
Hand lotion was a great help when our son was in the hospital for heart surgery; small bottles of water, snacks – esp. fresh fruit. Good books were essential, and you’re right – they should be escape fiction, nothing too heavy or serious. Tissues for those emotional moments because the hopsital tissues are cheap and rough.
The hospital where my son is treated has emergency comfort bags for parents of children who are admitted unexpectedly, either from the ER or from an outpatient appointment. I also know of a family that puts together little bags of goodies for mother’s day. Plenty of opportunities to reach out to parents!
Peace and blessings to you,
Debbie, southcentral PA
Chapstick is must on my list as well! Small gift cards were given to us so one of us could go get food out, places like Panera where you can get fresh salad and sandwiches are the best. Fresh fruit was also a nice treat from a friend, I could live on that for days!
I’m one of your followers and friends with your sister Johanna. We are praying for you and the family. I’ve followed your blog from day one when Johanna told me about him.
Wish there was more I could do, but since I can’t you have my prayer support!
Love reading about your girls and Ryan! They are very special young people!!!
Paula
Wish I lived a little closer to Pittsburgh so I could go clean your house. I got the new Method pink grapefruit cleaner and I LOVE the smell and it makes me want to clean 🙂
Anyway, just wanted you to know that I’m thinking about you and praying for Ryan and the girls too! I’m so thankful he’s getting great care.
You say common cold like it’s not a big deal. I know better. Prayers for it to be a small one and go away quickly.
Need a date with a friend tomorrow night? I can come!
By the way, this is Heather, not Chad. To lazy to log on with my account. Let me know what I can bring for food, entertainment? And those toiletry items. Heather
thinking of you at 3am, so I hopped on your blog since I best not call ya at the moment, thanks for keeping us all posted on you and sweet Ryan. May the Holy Spirit surround Ryan’s room.
Thinking of you as always!
I loved magazines when I was in hospital with our son, they didn’t require much thought or concentration but added a few minutes of escapism from the monotony that can be hospital life.
Wishing Ryan a speedy recovery and rest for you xox
Our MOPS group makes Special MOMMY bags and delivers them to the Mommies in our Local NICU during Holidays. we wish we could do it for all mommies but for now we just do it then. those bags consist of the most of the items that you mentioned. Also just letting you know that we are praying for Ryan and your whole family.