I and 2 of my daughters have done the hospital stays. Now, as a result, when someone I know is in the hospital, I no longer send flowers. Instead I take them a basket of items-snack foods (for family if the patient can't eat them) a roll of quarters, magazine, pack of cards, newspaper.....
I also learned from one of DD4 hospital stays that parents at some hospitals are given free meals (I found that out towards the end of her visit--it is one of those things they don't offer-you have to ask), and they will punch your parking pass at the front desk. They will also give family visiting free juice and muffins twice a day.
Also, many hospitals have video and book libraries. It is handled through volunteer services. Social services is also a great resource to check out and they can validate parking, arrange meals and even give some gas cards out.
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