Knowing what to do at the end (son/dad)

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Hi, I'm in my early 20's and my father was diagnosed with cancer a year ago, at the start of this week, we were told he wouldn't last the night, that was quite a few days ago and in general he is doing quite well.

He is on palliative care and I visit him a lot, I don't really know what to say though, I can talk about nothingness but I don't know if I should be doing something else. I talk to him as if he isn't ill and its just a normal day.

I don't really know what to do, I'm too young to know anyone thats lost their parent so I'm at a loss about what I do.

What should I do/say?

Every time I leave him, I don't know if its the last time.

panic over 2 years ago

Hi gladiatorspirit,

There is no right or wrong way - it all comes down to whatever is comfortable to you, your family and your dad.

When my late wife was in palliative care, my sons and I were encouraged to continue talking to her and to each other by the palliative nurses. They said that the sense of hearing is the last to expire and that hearing loved ones is a comfort to those that are passing.

Just keep doing what you're doing - love your dad and talk to your dad.

Hang in there mate.

Peace,
Ewen :-)

The day after your journey ends, the sun will still rise.

As will you.

gladiatorspirit over 2 years ago in reply to panic

Thank you Ewen, my dad passed peacefully the other day, as you say in his last moments he could hear but couldn't really communicate, he knew he was loved and that's all that really matters.

Thank you, take care

1996 over 2 years ago in reply to gladiatorspirit

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Knowing what to do at the end (son/dad)