You'll figure out what to do, and what is right for your kids.
I will have you all in my thoughts.
(((WH5, BR, Grandma, and Kiddos)))
We haven't had to have this talk with the kids yet... I know you'll handle it with love and caring, and stick together as a family through this.
The people you do your life with shape the life you live
He told me that death wasn’t the worst outcome of life, but rather an inevitability. It’s what you have to show for your life and how you leave that counts. He felt content that he was the first to go – he left behind a well taken care of wife (my mother) and five happy and successful children. I guess your mom has similar thoughts.
Regarding the kids… I think Meta more or less nailed it. One thing I do suggest is to use direct and clear words. I once had to tell a 13 year old niece her mother only had a few hours left before her cancer would kill her (Yep – all the shitty jobs in this extended family are delegated to Bigger…). Turns out the deacon and the family counselor at the hospital had talked to her but always used phrases like “the long journey”, “the inevitable darkness”, “the deep sleep” and so on. Never the words “death”. So this 13 year old girl – in her sadness and shock – had masked out the finality of the situation and only had a few hours to make her goodbyes to her mother. She has since repeatedly thanked me for how direct I was.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Think of the haters in your life as sandpaper; they’ll scratch you up time and time again but in the end you’re polished, smooth, and spotless..while they end up useless
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
I just wanted to let you know that I am so sorry that you are also facing this loss.
(((Wifehad5 and family)))
Saying prayers and sending good thoughts your way.
K
Iknow you have seen my pm, but wanted to tell you that you can be honest with the kids, and if you gloss over it, like the stupid Deacon, and Counselor at Bigger's hospital did the kids will be pissed that you didn't lay it out for them.
Bigger - Your a good man. Your experience was one of the things that used to make me nuts about the Pastoral care people when I worked ICU. I'm sorry but the "Long Journey" doesn't cut it when someone is actively dying. Someone has to have the balls to tell the truth, and all too often if falls to the nurse at the bedside.
((((and strength WH5, BR, and Family))))
