What to buy mothers and grandmothers who have everything?

Dachshund Neck Warmer

A mother or grandmother who has everything can be tricky to shop for. Fancy food may be an option, but if the woman receiving the gift is struggling to lose weight (most women do), then it might be best to offer comforting relaxation instead of "comfort food."

A Dachshund Dog or Cozy Gray or Black Cat are microwave heating pads, a.k.a. comforting creatures, that do not require feeding, walking, litter boxes, pooper-scoopers, or vet bills. They don't leave hair on couches or beds, but will curl up next to you to keep you warm or to help relax sore muscles. They also decorate a bed or chair when not in use.

Cozy Gray Cat foot warmer relaxes tired feet

Many women soak their feet in warm water to help relax their sore, tired toosties at the end of the day. Heat is a natural home remedy for relaxing muscles, including foot muscles. A microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers will relax feet without the fuss of filling a basin with water -- and sometimes spilling it.

Cozy Gray Cat & Dachshund Neck Warmer

Warning: Maine Warmers can be addicting.

When pets need a heating pad or ice pack

Dogs and cats get arthritis and a heating pad gives them some comfort. They get cold in the winter, and they, like humans, enjoy a little extra warmth. Sometimes they get stiff muscles after a run or playing Frisbee. Heat helps relax stiff muscles, improves circulation, and increases flexibility.

Girls using Mainely Ice Pack on dog's swollen ear.

When dogs and cats have surgery, the vet will often tell you, the pet owner, to put ice on it to reduce swelling. Ice can be uncomfortable, and just when you want to provide comfort for your pet, you probably are reluctant to ice it. A Mainely Ice Pack is soft and gentle yet still helps reduce swelling. It's can even be heated in the microwave when heat is needed. Otherwise, store it in the freezer in a plastic bag. It is washable.

Check out Maine Warmers' microwave Back Warmers to use in dog or cat beds or when your pet needs a little TLC.

Refilling the cup -- recovering from loss

My mother passed away less than a month ago. I miss her, the laughs, and the closeness we shared. Now the cup is empty, waiting to be filled again with laughter and intimacy.

I have watched people spend years grieving the loss of a spouse or significant other, and to what end? Maybe a wish to die also and follow a lover?

If I should die before my husband or my children I want them to continue on, refilling their cups with laughter and friendship, and giving their love to those around them who need love and to laugh.

Because I go out and have fun today and laugh doesn't mean I don't miss my mother or have forgotten her. I found the time to spend with her when she was alive and needed me. Even through the most difficult phases of her passing there was room to find joy. Her face looked beautiful even hours before she passed.

Now I have time to see friends and make new ones. Life is a blessing that I have learned to appreciate.

Comforting Cozy Sheep Microwave Heating Pad

While refilling the cup, in order to reduce stress, it is important to sleep well, to drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods (easier said then done when stressed), exercise, and laugh. Maintaining balance has helped me in the grieving process. If relaxation is difficult, a microwave heating pad in the shape of a Cozy Sheep or Black Bear can help relax tense muscles before bedtime and bring much needed comfort.

Talking with someone who is dying

Toward the end of my mother's life I spent a lot of time with her, staying overnight with her because she was afraid to be alone. She couldn't talk much but she did ask why it was taking so long. She was not in pain but she was clearly struggling with living every day.

Our conversations became shorter as she declined. She didn't talk very much. I talked about what a good family she had and about how we would carry on as she and the rest of the family did after her mother and father died. I could see a small twinkle in her eye when I said we'd all be stuck in the cold weather while she'd be golfing where the sun was shining.

When she was actively dying we didn't say much of anything. I sat and held her hand when she took her last breath. I had promised her that I would be there when she died if I could and that I would hold her hand. I was glad I was able to keep my promise.

I don't miss the conversations about death, and as much as I would like to forget them, I know I will remember them at times. I hope that if I ever have to go through a similar experience, that the time I spent with my mom will help me know what to say and how to help the one who is dying. And when my time comes I hope I will keep in mind to use humor as much as possible to help my helper through it.