Living where?

funniest post in a long time.

From my reading, and response, this is a tough one. If the meal train means a random person comes by and drops off food, prays together or whatever, and leaves, is that good and the right way to do it? I don't know. If each person comes by and drops off food and talks to the family that could also be difficult for the kids to deal with...embarrassment possibilities abound.

FWIW The fact you ask the question suggests whatever you choose to do will be done with the right amount of empathy and support.

(it's not Maywood)

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Power is always in the hands of the masses of men. What oppresses the masses is their own ignorance, their own short-sighted selfishness.
- Henry George

Ah, so when you read something you don't fully understand is it typical for you to respond with the moral indignation of Aristotle? Maybe it was not the clearest post but I was trying to get a lot of info in while keeping it brief. Some people got the gist so maybe you have to dumb yourself down to my level or you aren't as smart as you think you are.

My kids attend a grade school. The parents, of a 6th grade girl from the same school, died this summer. She is living in the same area with her grandparents. The house she used to live in with her parents was broken into and things were stolen. The burglar was a neighbor that lives on the same block. He and his wife have 4 or 5 kids, one is a classmate of my son. He has a history (unclear exactly what) and looks like he will be going to jail for a few years.

Another mom started a meal train. A meal train is the act of organizing meal giving around significant life events. It's typically when someone has a baby, surgery, or death of a family member. I'm scheduled to bring dinner to a friend with cancer and a friend that had a baby within the next few weeks.

Some people do not want to participate. They think it is disgusting that a neighbor stole from an orphaned 6th grader. The sense of community wasn't there when they were stealing so why should somebody do a communal thing for them. He has priors and people are pretty sure his wife knew. He (or maybe they) chose an action and now have to accept the consequences of that action. And some think less of the people that are signing up to bring them a meal.

They have 4-5 kids. They have jobs. To my knowledge they are not a hardship case. I don't know what will happen now. Would dinner even make a difference? I don't know them well. I feel bad that the kids are going to lose their father for a period of time. That's about it. I don't really have an obligation, or any personal feelings for them at all.

I'm torn and wanted to see what you guys thought. gd and Seacrest gave an interesting perspective but honestly I don't know if I can feel good about it. I also would not want the 6th grade girl to feel bad. I think I would in her position.

This story should involve the bully to make things go full circle.

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That's my purse! I don't know you!

Nothing on that front...yet.

Those 4 or 5 kids seeing somebody from the neighborhood extending them a kind gesture will be quite the impression on them. A good example unlike their father. So I say do it for that reason alone.

I'm sure that 6th grade girl knows what her father did. She's embarrassed and ashamed. Probably knows that all of her classmates know. If one kid knows, they'll all eventually know. So she has to deal with that. She probably thinks everybody looks down on her because of her Dad. Not to mention the fact that she won't have a Dad for a couple of years.

Somebody bringing a pot roast to the house, showing that they care about her, might mean a lot to that her. More than you might think.

Yeah I don't know what Beardown is talking about.

I read it a little too quick.

Moral of the story still remains. The 4 or 5 kids of the criminal Dad. Would be a good impression on them. Would mean a lot to them.

And what is the message I'm sending the girl? Your parents died, and this guy broke into your house. I'm bring them a pot pie! Them are the breaks kid but I'm sure you'll be okay. I don't know what's right.

True. Though she might not even know it happened. Unless the grandparents are bitching about it in front of her.

There is no right or wrong here. It's personal standards and beliefs.

Other people will know. I don't know how I feel about it.

Relax, muffin ... this is not the first time you haven't liked the tenor of my reply .... if I didn't think you were just fine I wouldn't have asked for clarification. And you've seen my work before .... it's assholey sounding because I'm assholey sounding .... ask anyone.

All I would say is that it's probably better for a normal person like yourself to err on the side of being, for lack of a better phrase, "too kind". It's much better in the long run if you help and then wish you hadn't rather than not helping and wishing you had. Minor-to medium post-help regret is an easier thing to deal with than a guilty conscience - even if that guilt is misplaced.

Lifetime Network would probably have us believing that said girl might even learn a lesson to help those that harmed you, and it could happen, but it's probably unlikely - and certainly not in any way incumbent upon you to 'teach' - meaning, again, self-doubt and guilt are probably misplaced in this scenario whichever way you nominate to go. It's not a question of your ability (just being super clear here) or aim .... just .... oh fuck it you know what to do for crying out loud what the hell are you still doing reading my bullshit anyway.

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Power is always in the hands of the masses of men. What oppresses the masses is their own ignorance, their own short-sighted selfishness.
- Henry George

I'm an asshole too, so that's good to keep in mind. I wouldn't give it back if I didn't think you could handle it.

Sure, now you tell me after I've got the gun loaded .....

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Power is always in the hands of the masses of men. What oppresses the masses is their own ignorance, their own short-sighted selfishness.
- Henry George

You're right, it is quite good. Swedish flop is a good pick or the atomic cake (only the southsiders know what that is.)

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"All crowds boycotting football games shouldn't care who sings or takes a knee because they aren't watching." - Nas

Buy each kid a crowbar and a ski mask since dad won't be around to prepare them for the family business. As they say, "Give a man a fish he'll eat for a day".

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

Just tell them the meal is for the kids, and if either of the parents touch it, you will murder them.

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Make sure whatever you give them is in a cheap throwaway container because you know they'll steal your Tupperware. It's in the genes.

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

Bring the kids some booze. Teach them how to drink responsibly

I don't know the etiquette of these meal trains, but if you are supposed to leave a card this would be a good one.

Sorry your dad is off to prison,
Please enjoy these strips of chicken.

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

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Ive had the theme song in my head all morning too. Weird.

worked really hard to rhyme prison

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

All this advice is out the window if they are gypsies...a thieving race of people only a Russian could appreciate

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Atomic cake is not a commonly known dessert? It's only the best fucking cake ever invented.... I assumed everyone everywhere was familar with this delicious product.

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Sorry your Dad is off to prison
Now he'll have to swallow jism

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