Food

So many brought food; it's what you did (even if the person had no appetite; even if they were likely to throw it out). He packed the garage freezer and worried that the next drive-by would be more of same (sympathy and soup, care and casserole). But the next knock brought only Mona from two houses down, who slipped him a note with her phone number and email address. "I think the food part is the worst," she said quietly, "so I promise to come and help you eat some of it. We'll have a good meal, chat a bit, and watch television together ... if you ever need that." He was so surprised that he almost teared up, but she gave him a smile and a bow and left him to his dignity. The offer touched his heart and calmed him, but it was not the actual gift. He took delivery of that on the Tuesday following Mona's visit, when he called (feeling tender and at loose ends) and she arrived without delay.