John Donne wrote,
No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were; any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
We are all affected by our neighbor’s hardship. We are all in this together, and when someone suffers, we are all diminished.
Similarly, when someone’s soul is nourished, when someone is made whole by any gesture, big or small, we are all raised up.
Thanksgiving is a traditional holiday that can leave many of us left out. While grieving a loved one, the holidays only amplify our feeling of loss. A problematic relationship with family can also cause a rough time of year.
Therefore, if we can assuage suffering, dash loneliness and do something to warm a heart, we should, because the Thanksgiving bell tolls for all of us.
Here is a list of ways to have a positive effect on loved ones.
Note: If you make a purchase after clicking through one of the links below, I-Ally may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. Partnering with companies that we believe in is one of the ways we keep the I-Ally app free for users.
1. Spoonful of Comfort
THE SPOONFUL OF COMFORT STORY:
In October 2007, founder Marti received a phone call from her mother that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer.
She was shocked, scared and panicked. The hardest part about hearing the news was that her mother lived in Canada and Marti lived in Florida. More difficult still, she had just returned the day before from a trip visiting her. With two young children in school, she couldn’t just turn around and go back. Marti felt deeply that she needed to “do something” But flowers... fruit... nothing seemed appropriate. Then Marti thought “chicken soup”. It’s how her mother used to comfort her. With that idea, Spoonful of Comfort was born.
Unfortunately, just six weeks later, Marti lost her mother. During her mom’s final weeks, she got lots of soup and other comforts from her eleven siblings and close friends. But she never had the opportunity to try Marti’s soup.
However, in her honor, Marti’s goal is to help others who need comfort. She promises to source and deliver products with as much love and care as if she were sending to her own mother. Your loved ones will feel better and so will you. Whether it’s an ailing parent, a child away at college, a sister with a newborn baby, a grandchild with an ear infection, or a friend struggling with grief, pain, or stress, Spoonful of Comfort will bring you closer together when you feel so far away.
You can guess why we at I-Ally love Spoonful of Comfort so much. Many of us are remote caregivers; if you cannot make it there in person, this is second best.
If you use the code IALLYINC, you can get 10% off.
Thanksgiving Care Package is the best way to go, with a gluten-free and vegan version available as well!
2. NeuroReserve Holiday Bundle
NeuroReserve just launched their RELEVATE Women's Brain Health Gift Pack to celebrate the achievements in women's brain health in 2022, including advances in Alzheimer's research, advocacy and awareness. Honor the women in your life with this limited-time special offer. The holiday gift pack includes:
- Three (3) jars of RELEVATE, their core product - advanced nutrition for lasting brain health, based on the evidence-backed MIND diet (each jar is a 30-day supply).
- A hardcover edition of the best-selling book The XX Brain: The Groundbreaking Science Empowering Women to Maximize Cognitive Health and Prevent Alzheimer's Disease, written by Dr. Lisa Mosconi, world-renowned researcher in women’s brain health.
- A NeuroReserve branded 20-ounce stainless steel insulated tumbler for your favorite hot or cold brain healthy beverage (think green tea or coffee).
A total value of $300, available now for only $189 for a limited time.
3. Fytoo Optical
For Black Friday, Fytoo Optical is taking frames all the way down to $1 (can be used with a prescription!), with Anti-Blue lenses at 30% off and a free gift with every purchase.
4. Bridgetown Music Therapy: Singing at Home
Bridgetown Music Therapy video classes are designed to promote active and engaging experiences that include singing, movement and relaxation. Music covers a wide variety. Song lyrics appear on screen as subtitles, and we provide printable lyrics with each video as well. All classes, activities and songs are planned and facilitated by a licensed and board-certified music therapist.
Use the code THANKFUL and get 20% off membership for Singing at Home (the plan for individuals).
5. HelpTexts
HelpTexts is a subscription-based series of helpful texts for folks dealing with grief, chronic illness, healthcare worker burnout, and more. Get this gift for a loved one who needs it -- or purchase it for yourself.
6. Quicken
Quicken is the #1 personal finance software in the US, and has been trusted by customers for more than 30 years. Connecting to over 14,000 financial institutions, Quicken is best way to stay on top of spending and manage money for the future.
7. Hotels.com
Flexible cancellation, Book now/Pay later, and 30% membership savings. Give your loved ones a hotel or book one for yourself!
8. Expedia.com
Find an affordable way to make a last-minute trip.
9. CareZips by Joe & Bella
CareZips® Classic is a patented, unisex easy-dressing everyday pant for adults living with changes related to incontinence, mobility, and/or cognitive abilities. Its brilliant design has resulted in caregivers reporting significant time savings, less back strain, and the ability to give dignity and comfort back to their loved ones' dressing process. Wearing CareZips® means not having to fully undress and redress when toileting, cleaning, or changing incontinent products.
CareZips® was invented by Molly Dye, whose mother was living with Alzheimer's. Molly observed caregivers struggling to change her mother’s adult briefs and knew there had to be a better way that was easier and less stressful both for her mother and the caregiver. She patented the three-zipper system that opens up totally in the front from the waist to the knees, providing easier access for quicker changing. Two side zippers are positioned forward and away from any sensitive pressure points to eliminate discomfort. The third zipper, allowing the full-frontal opening, provides for a more dignified changing, cleaning and adjusting of catheters, stents, and other medical products.
The original version of CareZips® sold out nationwide last year. The newly renamed CareZips® Classic features all-new fabric for a better bit, greater comfort and superior durability. See why it’s the pant that has transformed assisted dressing!
