This summer has been very difficult. DH took a sudden and steep decline with his cancer and now is expected to die anytime.
Struggling throughout, what do you tell a child, I tried to be as honest as possible since she obviously sensed from me and the urgency of activities that this was serious.
Nothing is harder for any child than to deal with death of a parent but it also makes clearer for me, when dealing with all these spiritual counselors, that you have to deal with your own gifted child in a unique way. Not only do you have to talk about science and medicine, but you have to deal with your own spiritual beliefs and make sense for your child.
Even little things. As we said a final goodbye, and I was holding her in my arms crying, it was too much to go back, as he has his final decline, she asked, "does he want to go?" My SIL stepped in and said yes, but I intervened, because I knew what she needed to hear. I said no, he wants more than anything to stay and be your father, but his body won't let him.
This is one of the toughest things I have had to deal with, for myself, but mostly with a child who is wise beyond her years, but is still a child.
But being on the forum has helped me understand my child so much better and I thank you for everything this has given me to help her.
Ren
