better way out.....

[schmalts]

Schmalts, a meal goes a long way in that situation. If you bring over food, and a card that would likely be very well accepted at any point. Don't have to stay long, leave the offer to help in the card.

Kind of funny you say that.... I just got finished putting rub on 2 whole pork butt roasts I will smoke for 12 hours tomorrow. I will take one over there when it is still hot and foiled up ready to pull (last 4 hours of the cook).
I was going to do one anyway and they went on sale for a buck a pound so I picked up 4 of them. Figured I would make an extra as they are good to eat for a week and kids seem to love pulled pork sammys.

 

[Devil Diver Down]

kids seem to love pulled pork sammys.

So do grown-ups

Schmalts, I think your intentions are great and will be well received. Just know that everybody reacts differently to situations like this so don't take it personally if the neighbors are standoffish. Having been in your neighbors' position myself, as a kid, I just wanted the neighbors (who we were somewhat close with) and everyone to leave us alone. I was ashamed because my friends were asking a lot of questions, not out of meanness--just honest questions--and I just wanted to be 500 miles away from the whole situation.

It was very, very traumatic and my mom, sister & I just wanted to regroup as a family and see what the damage (beyond the obvious) was. We left the house that day and my sister & I never walked in again. All of our stuff was moved, etc and the house was sold. Tough for anyone to deal with. Best of luck to the mom & kids.