I am from Indiana originally, moved to Chicago a few years ago when I got married. Since I’ve lived here, several people from my husband’s family have passed away and I always try to bring the surviving family members a lasagna or something easy to bake and reheat.

Everyone in the Chicago area is so surprised when I show up with food, whereas people in Indiana seem to expect it. It is good to know that people in other parts of the country do it, too! Not only is food comforting, but it lets the family concentrate on what matters rather than cooking and doing dishes. I always make sure to bring the food in a disposable pan and include plenty of plastic plates, silverware, cups, napkins, etc. so it doesn’t add any extra work for the family.

When my Grandma passed away a few years ago, my Aunt made a breakfast casserole and put it on our porch in a cooler. She then called to let us know it was there and asked us to put the cooler on the porch when we were done and she would come pick it up later. It was very thoughtful of her, and easier on our family when we weren’t really in the mood to talk or have company.