Friend cancer

[Spicyjea]

Ok so recently my best friend Robert, has been diagnosed with cancer. I’m not sure what cancer or what stage but idk if he’s gonna live or not. i wanna buy him some things online with PayPal, but I️ have no money! What should I️ do? My parents won’t be home until another month and I’m low on money. I️ don’t know if he’s gonna make it and I’m scared. Help me please

 

[Nitrogen]

People at that stage in life aren't looking for materialistic things. If they are, just ask. The best thing you can do is be there to support him emotionally as a friend.

Follow-up edit: Tomorrow, is the birthday of my father. Just a few years ago, I lost him to this horrible disease. Things are a big blur right now and even those who are indirectly affected by it need emotional support. That was something I didn't have much of.

 

[Cal]

I have a rule of thumb for giving presents, a thing is a thing, it will be used and played with but in the end it's still a thing. I like to give experiences, they don't have to be expensive or super highend, for people I'm not close with I give things like semi-obscure video games that I believe they'll enjoy, for closer friends I like to do things like concert tickets, helicopter tours or going to obscure events. People won't remember who got them that t-shirt, but people will remember who they were with while they were experiencing new things, even if they hate it.

 

[ShadySylph]

My Grandma, too, was diagnosed with cancer and given a few months to live. But rather than buy her things, she bought us things. She made sure to show us how much she loved us. But that's not the point. We (my family) would spend hours with her. Talking, laughing, it didn't matter. We just spent time with her.

Point of the short and insufficient story? Don't buy your friend things. Spend time with them. Giving up your time when you could be doing something less-heartbreaking is the best gift of all, in my opinion.

 

[Spicyjea]

Thanks guys for all of this feedback, I love you all!