One of the best gifts I got when going through cancer was a series of music tapes with healing and inspiring music.  When life got tough, I would plug in and drift off into a wonderland of joy and wholeness.

We all have different tastes in music. Some like classical, some jazz, some resounding rock or gospel, some quiet and peaceful.  If you know your friend, you can match their style and give them beautiful moments of ‘away’ time.  Maybe it’s music you share together and will help them think of you and your love.

There is also subliminal music wherein the brain waves are accessed to create deep meditation, relieve stress, increase relaxation and deepen sleep.  Who wouldn’t want all of these benefits!

When you are thinking of an inspirational gift for a cancer patient, think music.  It’s a very special way to say you care and want to help.

Deciding what might be a helpful, appropriate and inspirational gift for a cancer patient is often difficult.  What do you get?

Suggestions I’ve heard – and gifts that were given to me – that hit the mark are:

1. Books – uplifting and inspirational books.
2. Journals – find ones with a spiral spine and with blank pages as well as lined pages.  This allows for some creativity – pasting in pictures – drawing, etc.
3. Gift baskets – find some that have useful items – could be a self-care theme, food theme, etc.
4. Music – lots of options here.  Uplifting, meditation, calming . . . so many choices.  I found I needed calm and relaxing to ease the stress of treatment.

Does that get you started?  All of the above items will be welcomed and gratefully received.  Do you have other suggestions?  Please share.

Most of us think of sending flowers to someone who is ill, or bereaved, or is in need of special attention.  However, not everyone likes flowers or can handle the perfume of flowers.  Plants are then good options.

However, think about this one – a fruit basket.  Fruit is healthy, easy to eat if not feeling well, can be shared with visitors, and doesn’t have an aroma that may cause problems.

I’ve received a fruit basket a few times in my life and so appreciated it.  My family appreciated it as well.  Not being a smelly flower person, it was the perfect choice.  A great option to other inspirational gifts for cancer patients that people send.

It also works when you live in another city – you can send a gift basket as easily as a flower arrangement.

When diagnosed with breast cancer in the Fall of 1990, my son was only 13 years old.  I wondered if I would see him grow up, get married, and have a family.  As you can see, miracles happen.

My family and my grandchildren are so very special to me.  Today, I’m spending time with Wesley and Kira and later dinner with my husband.  This is what I value as a gift of love for my Valentines’ Day.

There may be other inspirational gifts for cancer patients that are important to you.  How did you spend your day?  Who was it with?  What do you value in your life that brings love to you?

May love find you in all the ways that matter.