The BeaTles needed help... I have a friend that needs help... I don't know how to advise her...
Her daughter and son-in-law were expecting... the baby was due towards the end of June... they have already had a host of baby showers and have received wonderful gifts in anticipation of a lovely, wonderful son... to be named Zachary...
The daughter went into labor this past Tuesday... and at some point during delivery, the medical staff lost the fetal heart beat of the baby... and he didn't survive...
Obviously they are all devastated...
I talked to my friend today, and of all things she's curious about what to do about the gifts received from the baby showers... do they return them to the givers?
I have no idea... they have so much they are dealing with at this time... I googled and searched... I can't find any information...
Do any of you know the proper protocol for such an event?
I know that for a bridal shower, in the event the wedding doesn't occur, the gifts are to be returned...
Does anyone know? Can anyone direct me to a source that I can relay to my friend??
I would greatly appreciate any help... any information one can provide...
Thank you for reading this... and any information you can provide...
Jim
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So sorry to hear that...
ReplyDeleteMy first thought would be to give them to the hospital's foundation or to shelters for young single mothers.
I agree with you. I don't think Emily Post covered this situation.
ReplyDeleteI would say donate them to a women's shelter. Then send a card to each giver and tell them of the situation and what was done with their gift.
I think the card could be pre-printed.
Although most will know what happened and the child died, it could say this:
Michal and Jane Smith wish to thank you for your prayers and support during this time of sadness. Our son Zachary did not survive.
We have donated your lovely gift to XXX Women's Shelter in your name.
You might not have to say the line about Zachary's not surviving.
OMG, this is so devastating I don't even know what to say.
ReplyDeleteThey could donate them to the hospital, or they could keep the items and keep trying for another baby when the time is right.
So sorry to hear :(
Wow, Shoes. So heartbreaking. Your friends daghter may want to keep a few gifts. Special blankets, a pair of socks. I would agree with previous comments that the rest could be donated to a charity. This is awfully sad.
ReplyDeleteHi y'all (something southern Americans say a lot)... I passed your recommendations on... she said that they hadn't thought about doing this... and the idea about the cards to the friends/family that gave the gifts sounds like a special touch... Thank you ALL so much...
ReplyDelete~shoes~