sad news

[paperclippy]

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090108/LOCAL0101/901080418/1150/LOCAL0101

Ben heard this morning that a neighborhood kid had died yesterday, just around the corner from our house, after slipping on the ice and hitting his head while trying to catch the bus to school. He found the article in the Indy Star about it. I recognized him from the picture as being a kid I've seen around a lot, and it turns out he was the son of our next door neighbors. :( The article notes that he played the piano -- we could hear it from our bedroom at night.

I've never actually met these neighbors beyond waving to them in the yard (I don't think they speak much English, if any), but Ben has caught their Chihuahua for them several times when he's been out doing yardwork and it's run across the lawns and through our fence. I want to give them a sympathy card and bring them food (after all, we are their next door neighbors), but I'm not sure how to do it without being incredibly awkward. We don't even know their names, and I don't know if bringing food to someone you don't know is too personal or if it is something that is okay with Chinese traditions for bereavement. I'm open to any advice.

Comments

[kitty-tape.livejournal.com]

I would think it is okay. Obviously, I don't have the same cultural background as your neighbors, but when I lost my mom, I appreciated everyone's displays of sympathy and help, even if they were not people I knew particularly well.

[iguanawow.livejournal.com]

I agree. When I lost my mom, I really appreciated the cards. I went back and read several of them a few years later, and it was nice to see that so many people cared about her. Try to write something in the card other than just your names, maybe mention hearing him playing the piano at night.

[zwilichkl.livejournal.com]

Alright, I talked to a friend of mine whose mom is Chinese- she suggested a card with no red or gold (cool colors). I asked about food but she thought that would be difficult given that they may eat different things depending on how long they have been in the country.

[paperclippy.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking we'll give them a card and maybe either flowers or a fruit basket.