Being given food

Ada_Doom

Ah, my lovely Mum would often bring a chicken or some fruit with her when she came to visit, or if we went to M and S she would buy something lovely for me to make for dinner. I kinda took it for granted, although was always thankful as we have had periods of being very skint. My mam died in April, and I know see clearly how loved and secure that kind of things that only mothers do make you feel. There is nobody now who knows how useful an expensive bit of protein will be for my skint family, or how a cath kidston pillowcase picked up in the sale will cheer me up enormously. And there is no reason anybody should know, cos I am a very capable 36 year old mum of two. But still.....it is the feeling of being loved so completely that I miss about being somebody's daughter. However, I am happy I know so I can do the same for my children.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

In my mid twenties, as a single mum, working and still absolutely skint (just before the introduction of tax credits and the like, so no help whatsoever), I would often visit my mum's with DD and come back with what we called Red Cross Parcels. Loads of random things she saw in the supermarket and put in her trolley for no apparent reason, then those, along with the free part of the BOGOF offers and stuff that had lurked in the cupboard for a while all got put in a cardboard box with assorted gadgets, widgets and utensils. Always gratefully accepted, sometimes delicately disposed of once we were home.

Now pushing 40 [ahem], DD1 has left home.

She now visits me, fills up on all the meat and fish based products her vegetarian father won't permit in his house, all the foods her boyfriend's family don't have because they stick mostly to the traditional German food they are familiar with, spends hours going through all the different perfumes and cosmetics in one of the bathrooms, and then leaves carrying her own Red Cross Parcels of soya desserts, nice bubble bath, shampoo, conditioner, body spray, makeup, spare clothes, tons of things.



I shall be doing the same for DD2 when she is off to University as well.

katieowl_2

My mum did it too...and we also called them red cross food parcels.

She bowled up nearly every Saturday when the kids were small with a selection of stuff, usually meat, and fruit and treats for the kids. She always dug her hand in her pocket when it was school shoes time and the such like.

She still likes to help out bless her - I've always been very grateful!!!

Kate

madvixen

I work away from home a lot and will often come home on a Friday to discover things in my fridge that weren't there when I left. Normally it's things like a chicken or some sausages but I came home last week and the fridge fairy (Mum) had put 6 punnets of lemons in the fridge :eek: I spent the weekend making lemon drizzle cakes for the freezer

catch_me_if_you_can

How lovely of your Mum to help you out!

orangesmartie

We have food parcels in our family too. When we lived in London my grandparents used to send us bottles of their spring water (from the Scottish Borders) because we hated drinking the tap water.

My mum often picks up things in the supermarket for me that she knows I like (Ben and Jerry's on half price etc). Similarly, now that my mum lives part time abroad, I send her food pacels of her favourite things which she can't get there or are too expensive. And if I go to the supermarket, I'll phone my dad and see if he needs anything. He feeds me yummy meals in return.

Its what families do. Your mum sounds lovely, she's trying to help you and letting you know she thinks about you, even if you're not physically there.

Sally_A

I think your mum is spot on with her purchases for you, nothing too flash, but she knows that there's another meal or two you don't have to worry about.

Much better than a cash donation that you would feel guilty about, and also worry on how to spend it.

Bless her.

Agree with many of the above posters, this is what families are for. Not too much in the way, but happy to help when it all goes a bit pear shaped.

VfM4meplse

This still happens with our family over 4 households (3 siblings each in their own homes). When I left home, I struggled to get out of the habit of bulk-buying as someone would eat it. Now I only do it when I find a good deal, and the goodies get split between us. It's the same for my parents and siblings, it's called sharing the love!

I would be very disappointed if any one of them didn't feel that they could walk in using their own key, and help themselves to the contents of my fridge / freezer / pantry cupboard. B/f hasn't yet got the hang of it, needs a bit more training .

meritaten

hun - I am a mum and have done things like your mum has! its a pleasure to do - and us oldies like to stock up on brownie points you know! after all - you will be the ones deciding our nursing homes or looking after us!

miaoww

my parents struggled when me and my brother were younger and now theyve paid off their mortage and have "spare" cash they have helped me out with food parcels/ petrol money and even interest free loan if needed. i did feel a bit guilty asking for cash but i was so stressed and worked up about it they were quick to help - ive paid them back with interest since and did feel gulity as it took a little while til mum said well at least you paid it back unlike your brother! (but thats between them) - Mum is reffered to by my daughter as "glamour gran" she has her hair done on what seems like a weekly basis, nicely manicured nails sometimes by the salon and sometime diy, they are still very careful with their cash and alway on the look out for the cheapest place to get hold of something / best deals. think coz theyve been through it all aswel albeit 30+yrs ago they know and understand how hard things can get at time. If either of my kids need food parcels or any help i would do exactly the same - so lots of love hugs and kisses for all the lovely mums (and dads) out there! remeber your not the only one! and enjoy the treats - every parent likes to spoil their kids in some way or another.