Hello again, everyone.

This evening I am heading back over to the soup restaurant where I had so many terrific and memorable experiences when I first moved here in '17. The patriarch of the family is in acutely failing health, and he has asked to see me specifically. This will almost certainly be our last time together.

I would like to bring him a gift but the corridor of acceptability is almost certainly unusually narrow. He *loves* high-end pens, and he was very touched when I got him a set a couple of years ago for his birthday, but a pen set for someone who is probably in the final weeks of his life, and knows it, seems tone-deaf even by my lofty standards. I'd be stunned if he hasn't been ordered not to have alcohol.

Anything? Flowers? Could be seen as maudlin, especially since he's a big, macho guy.

And yes, before you say it, I realize that no gift at all is probably a sneaky-good option in terms of minimizing the chances for a misfire. But I'd still very much like to bring ... *something*.

Durian fruit all the way! Whole family will be happy and he can taste it one last time

Give him an envelope of money...
Or, after he is gone....help his family.

^ It's not very imaginative, but yes fruit and money are always welcome gifts. Or do you have a good photo of the old guy before he was sick ? A printed photo of (you and ?) the old boy looking handsome might also be welcomed by the family.

IraHayes wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 6:19 pm

Anchor Moy wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 6:02 pm ^ It's not very imaginative, but yes fruit and money are always welcome gifts. Or do you have a good photo of the old guy before he was sick ? A printed photo of (you and ?) the old boy looking handsome might also be welcomed by the family.

The photo sounds like a lovely idea and and there is the option of making a generous donation if you attend the funeral.

These are some good ideas. He will be happy with the photo, as well as his family. It'll bring back good memories of his better days. The family can then keep it as a reminiscent of their loved one, and of you as the giver. As for donation, it'll be helpful for the family, especially if he's their only source of income in his household. But yes maybe better if you give it at the funeral, and not on your visit.

If he's only got a few days to live, give him what every guy would want....a young, super gorgeous Khmer girl for an hour or two! Cheaper than expensive pens and no opportunity for the family to misuse the gift, as would likely be done if you have cash.