June is not only when we observe Father’s Day, but also Men’s Health Month. Family is important to recovery and spending some quality time together at home can be healthy, especially when a crash survivor is concerned about their future. Whether he is your father, father-in-law, step-father, grandfather or the father of your children, a father recovering from a motor vehicle crash can face especially difficult challenges when it comes to caring for his family. Acknowledging dad on his special day is what matters most and you want to let him know that you care while understanding his injuries could get in the way.
Father’s Day is meant to be a fun day to celebrate with family and tell your dad how much you love him. But, it can be hard to celebrate Father’s Day if your dad is stuck in the hospital or recovering from a motor vehicle crash at home. Here are some simple ideas to acknowledge his special day.
Find Joy in The Little Things – Some injuries will prevent him from doing the things he used to be able to do that may make him feel very down, therefore, it’s beneficial to think about the things he can do, no matter how small those things might be. It could be celebrating a walk or going to the washroom by himself. Even is he can’t do what he used to do, something is better than nothing. Celebrate his accomplishments and acknowledge his progress no matter how small. Write a small note in his card and tell him how proud you are of him!
Personal Hygiene Items – Buy him an electric toothbrush if he doesn’t already have one. They require less effort than manual brushes and are much more efficient. Considering he may not feel like shaving with a razor, an electric trimmer or shaver might make the process a little easier for him as well.
Books – If he is an avid reader, he is already aware that a good book can take his mind off of his injuries. Audio and e-books are also great choices for those who do not want to carry around heavy books. Crash survivors continue to tell me “I wish I had this book when I started my recovery” and a woman shared that she read my book to her husband while he was in the hospital.” Show him how much you care by purchasing him a copy of “Talk Crash to Me” to help guide him on his recovery journey which is available for purchase on amazon at: Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Motor Vehicle Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery.
Movie – If the man in your life feels well enough, watching a movie together can be sure to lift his spirits. Try your best to choose a comedy to bring a smile to his face.
Photo – A framed photo of a favourite memory is a great gift option for your dad this year and is an awesome gift that will remind him of happy times. If he is currently in the hospital or a rehab centre, this is a great gift that can be easily brought back home.
Ask him for advice – Consider asking your dad for advice. This will show him that his opinion matters. Even if your dad doesn’t have experience with a certain situation, he can still give you advice on how to approach it and this may take his mind off of his own situation.
Take initiative – Notice things that need to be done around the house and do it as a surprise for your dad. Try to think of things that he may have put on the “back burner” since he started recovering.
Inspire Him – What is guaranteed to make the special man in your life smile? What hobbies does he enjoy? Does he enjoy sports or watching the game? If he doesn’t feel up to watching a sports game, encourage him by bringing out his favourite sports swag. Choose to give him something that reflects or enables happy moments and include him by being mindful of his physical capability.
Post Pone Celebrating – Most men that are recovering will feel uplifted by a phone call or a visit but the frustration and stress caused by his crash can be overwhelming and he may or may not be up for a visit or even a chat. Let him make that decision. Unfortunately, he is recovering and if he doesn’t want a visit, post pone celebrating until he feels up to it. Although you may feel disappointed, do not take it personally and support his decision when you call to wish him a Happy Father’s Day.
When we really think about it, the best present a person can give someone is the reassurance that they have the love and support of those around them and with a little thoughtfulness, it can still be a time to celebrate.
S. Dawne McKay is a survivor of a horrific crash that changed her life forever. Dawne shares her personal journey as a Crash Survivor Blogger and also collaborates with crash survivors as Guest Bloggers allowing them an opportunity to share their stories. Dawne is also the author of the book, “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery” which is available for purchase on Amazon.
The Crash Support Network is a unique one-of-a-kind website consisting of an online support group, a crash survivor blog, a quarterly newsletter, “Sharing Our Recovery” as well as highly informative articles. Our website is based on relationship-building and puts the needs of survivors first by creating a helpful resource for victims and survivors of motor vehicle crashes.
