Gift or Something to Honor Memory of Child

That is so sweet of you. I love the book idea too. I have a friend that sends me a text every year on what would be my son's birthday. Just having her remember means the world to me.
I think after the party is over it would be great if you helped cleanup. We always do something as a family in rememberance of my son but it is always an exhausting emotional day for me especially since it takes so much effort for me to hold it together. (she may also need help preparing for the party too).
You are a great friend for asking this question:).

It seems that she just wants to be surrounded by friends and family to honor his memory. Just having you with her on this day should be all she may need.

Best of Luck!

I think that since she decided she is having a cookout/party with friends and family to honor his memory, your presence is the gift she's expecting.

I lost twin girls the day they were born, and I can see what she is doing, and I wouldn't add to her plate with a sentimental gift. It seems she is handling the anniversary as she wants and I would respect that and simply help her have a great time at the party and offer to help in whatever way she needed me : )

Hi Happy-

There is a site where you can 'name a star'...I'm sure if you google it, you can find it.

I did this for a friend who lost her daughter about the AGE of five...and her daughter had enjoyed looking at stars...

Best luck!
michele/cat

I think a book donation in his honor would be a special gift. I think they just want to be surrounded by people they love and who have helped them get through the past years.

Is she religious at all? If so you could print out this quote on pretty paper and have it framed to keep in her house.

Because someone we love is in heaven,
We feel heaven in our home.

I think donating the children's books is a great idea.

What a great friend you are! I have a friend that is as thoughtful as you. She was so good to me when my children died. She helped me in so many ways I don't even know if I could ever thank her enough. I am very Catholic as is she. Her gifts were always rooted in faith. She gave me roses on one occasion. She would drop me cards on the children's special days like birthdays and Mother's Day. She would have Masses said for me and my children. She would offer other prayers as well. In the end all of it was wonderful but it was the thought behind everything that really counted.

You might consider a charity for children, like Child's Play (which gives toys to Children's Hospitals) or Sleeping Children Around the World (which gives school supplies, clothes and bed kits to kids in poor countries). I also like the book idea. It sounds like maybe what she needs most is your company, though.

Your ideas sound perfect. I think keeping his memory going and know that everyone else has not forgotten about her painful loss is the idea. Children's books to the local emergency department? Combines several of your ideas and captures an area that I know gets neglected compared to the children's floors. Give her a strong, long hug from all of us :)

the book donations are a great idea, but taking it in a different direction: donate to the school he would have attended. Perhaps one for each classroom? :)

since the death of our daughter (almost 19 years), I have lit a candle in her memory whenever I think of her....& I buy a bouquet for her BD & then keep fresh flowers until the anniv of her death...just 19 days after her birth. This year, the #19 is lining up....& I haven't figured out what I want to do. Still thinking on this one.....but feel strongly that I need to connect our 19 days with her/19 years since we lost her. I applaud your friend for embracing this milestone. :)