[mum2jp]

Just feel so blah this afternoon, trying to buy a present for my grandfathers 80th this weekend. He is very ill and likely wont be with us much longer, i am cose to him DS adores him and i am just feeling really sad at the reality that this will likely be his last birthday. Anyway every birthday card i picked up had well wishes for the year ahead ect ect. I just found myself thinking 'he doesn't have a year' and DS decided today was the day to scream the shop down in the pram. It took all the strength i had not to burst into tear in the middle of the shop.

Anyway enough of my pity party. I ended up geting a blank card with a nice picture on the front and am yet to find a gift. We usualy only get something small, he has a sweet tooth and i would normally buy him some chocolates or sweets but he is unable to eat alot of solids pretty much is on puree's and protein drinks. So to the WDYT part i was thinking that i could get him some chocolate mousse and wrap it up instead as a treat and just get DS to paint a picture as well. Is this a silly idea, is givng him a puree desert just reminding him and everyone else how ill he is or do you think its ok?

[idignantlyright]

I think that would be great. Get enough for you and DS, and all three of you sit there and enjoy the chocolate mousse together.

[Cancerian Moon]

If he hasn't had anything nice to eat lately, I would imagine he'd appreciate chocolate mousse. But if you don't want to go there, what about some of his favourite type of music, or a photo of you and/or DS, to put by his bed?
Sorry that you're feeling down, hope you all have a festive a birthday as it can be.

[casime]

Depending on what you want to spend, how about a digital photo frame and you put a disk full of family photos on there. We did this for my grandmother when she was in the hospital towards the end, and she thought it was wonderful as she could just watch the photos.

[fairymagic]

I think if you think he would like that it is a lovely present. Perhaps also give him some nice smelling toilettries. I remember when my Grandmother was in a nursing home and was virtually bed bound. I wasn't sure what to give her so asked the Director of Nursing - she suggested some nice talc powder or some nice perfume/body spray that they could use when giving her a wash in bed.

Hope he has a lovely birthday.

[BobTheBottersnik...]

I like the chocolate mousse and the digital photo frame ideas.

Sorry to hear you're going through a hard time

[katniss]

My boys make birthday cards for close family. And now my older son can write, he writes inside. My parents, siblings, ils love receiving their hand made cards.

[LookMumNoHands]

If you feel funny about getting him mousse, maybe some chocolate like Lindt would be ok? The melt in your mouth kind of chocolate may be safe for him to eat.

I'm so sorry he's sick, but it sounds like he'll have a lovely birthday if his family are as caring as you

[kiwi-girl]

Is there anything that your grandfather needs that could make him more comfortable (I assume he is at a rest home?) like a gorgeous pillow for his bed, or a lovely blanket for his bed, or a pair of super comfy PJ's?
I love the idea of the chocolate mousse - get enough for the 3 of you and have a mousse picnic!
Maybe also write him a letter telling him how much you love him and some of your face memories together - this will make sure he knows he won't be forgotten.
Best of luck - it's hard going through the process of losing a loved one.

[mum2jp]

Thanks. He is being cared for at home as he rally HATES the hospital. He still has my grandmother who lives with him and his children/ grandchildren nearby and has a pallative nurse come to the house, oxygen at home ect. I think i will get the mousse (just in case he can't manage even the soft chocolate), get DS to draw a picture for him and get something else. Might try and find one of those neck travel pillows as he naps alot sitting up in his recliner chair.