Saying goodbye to granddad
Posted by Traditional-Hand4278@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 38 comments
So I don't want this sub to be about the bad things that happen to us, but tomorrow I'm meeting my grandfather for the last time while he's alive. He chose euthanasia, happening next week. Muscle disease (sorry, don't know the name) is keeping him between bed, bath and toilet. Mentally well, doesn't want to be a burden. Always did his own thing. Divorced in the sixties, was the shame of the town, he didn't care. Silent generation. Never talked about his accident in the mines (smashed between two carts of cole), the reason of divorce, the grunt between his daughter and son. Burried two kids, lost almost all of his friends... I cannot imagine the grief but this man stayed positive all his live. We lost contact a few years ago because of many reasons. Needed help with that but I felt let down by my family.
I don't know how to prepare for this and i'm not asking for anything really. Maybe you've read my vent, maybe you have kind words or advice. Or say nothing, also fine. Don't know, but needed to put this out there somewhere.
Thanks for reading this.
stickybond009@reddit
Life is extending while the things that traditionally gave it meaning are in decline. Especially among the young, ever fewer people have a partner, children, friends, a religion, or (I suspect) a belief in progress. Instead we have our phones.
Now another source of meaning has come under threat: engrossing work. People have begun to experience “AI shocks” — moments when we suddenly glimpse how the technology could make us redundant.
SomeAreSomeAreNot@reddit
Outstanding comment right here.
Old_Goat_Ninja@reddit
Oh wow, we still have grandparents? That’s awesome that you still do, what a blessing. Sorry for your loss though, that’s got to be hard. I haven’t had a grandparent in at least 3 decades.
IllAbbreviations4097@reddit
I have a memory of the last lunch with my dad. We did not say much. I drank him in. He talked about the last tomato of the season...we were eating just a Duke's toasted wonder bread sandwich... talking about the seasons, life, growth, fruition, winter and the cycle. I never spoke with him again...otw there I know that I played Dylan's your gonna make me lonesome when you go...I cried like a kid... pulled it together and had a nice lunch with Dad...not crying but listening to him talking about the last last harvest
TeaWithKermit@reddit
I’m so grateful that you have the opportunity to sit with him and tell him goodbye. I’m so sorry for the years that you lost together, but having the chance to say what you need to say is so meaningful. I’m wishing you all the best.
gurl_incognito79@reddit
My dad died back in December. Yesterday I had the idea that I should start writing down memories about him. I just bought a little journal and already have the first one lined up.
Illustrious_Plant581@reddit
There is no way to prepare. Just go easy on yourself.
SunshineandBullshit@reddit
I lost my grandparents in my 20s. You're lucky you've had him so long. Tell him how much you appreciated him being around so long.
Traditional-Hand4278@reddit (OP)
Thank you all, fellow strangers but fellow gen-x-ers! Those were very kind words❤️
antisocialdecay@reddit
I lost a grandfather when I was still in school back in 96 (I was 17) and the other in 2012, two weeks after I met my now wife. I am staring down the barrel of my grandmothers both passing sooner rather than later. It isn’t easy. I can say this: talk to him. Learn something. Share something. Let them know everything will be fine even when it feels like it won’t.
My first grandfather (admittedly my favorite) was sudden. He was ill but still. My other was drawn out and a blessing in the end. Sounds like his passing will be a blessing for him.
Just be present. I wish you well.
Efficient_Market1234@reddit
I'm sorry you're going through this. I wouldn't complicate this, I think--be there for him, keep it simple. There's no perfect thing to say or do, I guess.
Out of curiosity, is he young Silent Generation? I lost my last grandparent 14 years ago.
LayerNo3634@reddit
My grandfather was given 3-4 weeks when we were getting ready to leave for vacation. He was of sound mind, but his kidneys were failing. He was 98 and his kidneys were failing. We spent some time with him, and he told me to bring him something (his way of telling us not to cancel). We were going to the Caribbean and would not have cell service. I chose to think of him fondly and carefully chose a rum to bring him. When we got home, we learned he had passed.
I thoroughly enjoyed our vacation and choosing the right rum to bring him. Thinking of lots of happy memories with him the entire trip. After his funeral, when everyone left, I opened the rum and toasted him.
So thankful I did everything that way. Now, when I think of him, I remember happy memories and picking out the perfect rum for him. It was a good way to say goodbye.
Accomplished-Bus-531@reddit
Prepare by simply going with acceptance of what's given.
Mistervimes65@reddit
My grandfather passed away when I was nine. He was 58. I sit here at age 60 and it still hurts. Yet, I know that he knew how much I loved him. We were a family that told each other “I love you” often.
Let him know what he means to you. Cherish the time you have left. Never forget him. Tell stories about him.
I take great comfort in this line of dialogue from Terry Pratchett: “Do you not know that a man is never truly dead so long as their name is spoken?”
My kids never met my grandparents, but they know the stories and they speak their names.
That’s all the immortality we get.
LadyNorbert@reddit
Sending hugs if you want them.
Natural_Ad3054@reddit
Do and say what you feel. Grief is something that everyone needs to do in their own way. Without judgement from anyone. I’m glad you are getting time with him to say goodbye. I helped my Grandma, my Bonus/Stepmom, and my Dad all with their Death with Dignity requests, and I can tell you and anyone else what an experience it was. Sad, but so glad the option was available to them. Hugs to you and Grandpa.
Anxious_Painter_6609@reddit
If he has some cool things to say, record it on your phone. He has lived a life plus some it seems. The thinking about the last meeting in your head is much worse than when it is actually happening...done it a couple of times in my life so far. Heartbreaking, sad for sure but not the worst experiences I've had in my life involving death of a loved one.
happycj@reddit
He wants to know the effect he has had on your life, and how you will move forward with what he taught you, and anything you will remember him for.
Keep it simple. This is not about you; this is about showing that he has been loved, his wisdom appreciated, and you will think well of him after he is gone.
AnnOnnamis@reddit
Thank gramps. Help him feel at peace with his decision.
Show him as much love and support as you can.
PepperCat1019@reddit
Tell him you love him 💜
Demostecles@reddit
Let him know that he did well.
My heart is with you.
Techchick_Somewhere@reddit
I think this is the best way to go. On your own terms when you’re fed up with your body giving up on you. Give him a big hug from this internet stranger please. And one for you too.
la12210@reddit
Sending you so much love! ❤️❤️
MaximumJones@reddit
There is no good advice. Just sending you a virtual hug my friend.
dwpro@reddit
❤️
EquivalentStart2595@reddit
Hoping you both can find some peace. I recommend a documentary called Griefwalker, available on YouTube or Amazon Prime. My family have all passed, and it helped me navigate a lot of emotions about death.
Affectionate-Map2583@reddit
I'll give him a horse to ride out on. My 32 year old mare is also scheduled for euthanasia next week. It's been a tough decision, which I've been considering for about a year.
I don't know what advice to give. It would be a very strange and difficult situation. I guess just be there for him to let him know he's not alone.
FloppyFerrett1@reddit
<3
sillytricia@reddit
Thank him for being part of your life. Hugs to you both.
AnatBrat@reddit
I second this emotion.
Resident-Complex4682@reddit
Yes! Sending you a big hug ❤️
sumthymelater@reddit
Ask him the most important or interesting thing he wants to tell you before he goes?
MundaneHuckleberry58@reddit
Thank you for sharing about him. He has lived a rich life & overcome so much. I’m sorry this will be hard. I’m glad he has the option to end his suffering.
Upbeat_Ant6104@reddit
I wish peace for you and your grandad. I think of mine everyday after 40 years, but eventually I began to stop feeling his absence and instead his memory is more like a warm presence. I hope you get the same.
OkTouch5699@reddit
I lost my grandmother last year at 92. She was such a fantastic woman. I dont live in my town, but have been there about 5 times since she past. I always made time to see her for a couple of hours when I visited. I spent about 2 hours with her about a month before she past. She was mentally well. I want to go to her house and talk to her again so bad. But I know I am blessed that I had such a long time with her.
d4sbwitu@reddit
I am sorry to hear of your experience. Both my Granfathers were gone before I was old enough to remember them, but I've lost both my parents over the last decade. It's rough. Just remember him during his strong and happy years. That is what he wants and how you will be happier. You were lucky to have him during those times.
Melodic_War327@reddit
Rough. My dad got cancer, but honestly he felt like he wanted to be done long before then. Went on hospice a couple of years after I moved 500 miles away. I got to see him before the end, while he was still himself. He told my mom he was glad of that. My dad wasn't much of a hugger. I can't express how it felt to hug him for what I knew would be the last time. I think you may soon know.
I'm a seminary graduate. I know where I think he was going. I've had training in counseling, in grief. I can tell you that *nothing* will prepare you for this. Nothing. I don't even know how it's going to affect you. It hits everyone differently. Just be with him while you can, and hold his memory when you can't any more. Live each day to honor him. That's how you get through it.
peterw71@reddit
Unfortunately, in my experience, you can't prepare for whatever happens next. Just tell him you love him (if appropriate) and then take some time for yourself to feel whatever you need to feel.