I have thought of doing this for a divorcing friend and the mom never responded. I know divorce is different than cancer.

It has been a few years and the kids have never had a birthday party since.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That poor kid. Your poor friend. And you too. Just awful. Yes. Do what you can. Make this kid's wish come true. Give mom the credit. Take video and photos and show her (if she's too weak and immobile to be there). Ugh. My heart hurts thinking about the days and years ahead.

Reading is fundamental

Dp but so is writing and original post was very poorly drafted.

Agree 100% that you should just ask your friend.

If it were me, I wouldn't want to miss my kid's birthday party OR deal with people during a time like this.

So personally, I would have loved it if my friend offered to just have our family alone over for a very small party.

We're talking preschool here, where balloons and streamers and party hats with a few gifts to unwrap is enough.

OP, it is fine to offer. You guys are best friends - has she mentioned his birthday at all to you? Is her her only child? Is dad in the picture? Is there a reason dad isn't thinking about a party? Was there a reason they never had a birthday party for the boy before now?

It might be they just don't think kids should have birthday parties, or the first one at age 5, etc.

She might not want his first "real" party to be hosted by someone else, while she is grieving, you know? I would tread carefully with the offer, unless you know she actually is aware he wants a party and she just can't manage to do it right now.

In a similar circumstance, I would have been overjoyed if friends stepped up to help host a celebration for my child, but that's because I feel I suck at parties. But I would have wanted it to be at my house, or with me astechnical host, so my kids would think I was competent.

If you/offer, it’s lovely. If you just do it, it’s completely overstepping.

OP, you're very kind and thou.

Please update us when you can.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That poor kid. Your poor friend. And you too. Just awful. Yes. Do what you can. Make this kid's wish come true. Give mom the credit. Take video and photos and show her (if she's too weak and immobile to be there). Ugh. My heart hurts thinking about the days and years ahead.

Grandma is dying, not mom… Still sad, of course.

OOOH I misunderstood too. I thought the kids mom was dying. Still sad but I am glad he is not losing his mom so young.

I had cancer treatment when my daughter was 12 and the side effects were terrible. For the first time I couldn’t plan a party. My daughter’s best friend’s mother came over with another mother and their two children. They brought a cake and presents. It was really special and I can’t imagine anyone finding fault with you having a cake and a couple of little friends over.

Anonymous wrote:That poor kid. Your poor friend. And you too. Just awful. Yes. Do what you can. Make this kid's wish come true. Give mom the credit. Take video and photos and show her (if she's too weak and immobile to be there). Ugh. My heart hurts thinking about the days and years ahead.

Reading is fundamental

Ask her damn

Anonymous wrote:That poor kid. Your poor friend. And you too. Just awful. Yes. Do what you can. Make this kid's wish come true. Give mom the credit. Take video and photos and show her (if she's too weak and immobile to be there). Ugh. My heart hurts thinking about the days and years ahead.

Grandma is dying, not mom… Still sad, of course.

That poor kid. Your poor friend. And you too. Just awful. Yes. Do what you can. Make this kid's wish come true. Give mom the credit. Take video and photos and show her (if she's too weak and immobile to be there). Ugh. My heart hurts thinking about the days and years ahead.

I don’t think so, but ask her.

This is so sweet.

I’d ask permission first (obviously) and keep the party simple.