Is it bad if I don't go and see my Grandad - advice

Hello,

I hope I have posted this in the right place as this is my first post. My grandad is dying of cancer (asbestos), he moved back home (in a hospital bed) as that was what he wished for his final few weeks. My mom (it's her dad) will be going to stay with him at some times (he lives 45 minutes away) over the next few weeks as the has to be someone in the house with him alongside the nurse. I went to see him about two months ago in his home as I knew he was so ill - and am so glad I did. My family haven't see him much due to coronavirus.

My mom has said about me and my siblings going to see him. Is it selfish if I say I do not want to go? I want to remember him as the strong, happy, intelligent grandad I knew and I don't know if I can bare to see him so unwell. But do I force myself too go if it could bring him some happiness? He was a very proud man so I'm not sure he'd even want me to see him this way.

He has started to get very confused but been asking about my Mom and dad as they were very close.

I also want to be there for my mom as well as this my nan, and her mom, passed away from dementia a month ago which was also horrible as we couldn't be with her due to coronavirus. I am 26 years old and these are first losses I've had of my adult life, which I know I am very lucky for. But I still feel so sad for my grandparents and how there lives have ended and so angry coronavirus took away some precious weeks with them for my family.

Sorry for my rambling post, I haven't spoken about how I feel to anyone and try to keep my mom distracted, but feel better even just writing it down. I am a very emotional personal so it's all I think about.

Sending love to anyone who reads this xx

  • Hi,

    Sorry for the dilemma you find yourself in.

    Only you can answer the question you pose. We all have sentimental ideas about “remembering people how they were” but in reality will we regret not visiting sick or dying friends and relatives when we have the chance to make them happy?

    Which is the least worst option for you in the longer term?

    Best wishes

    Dave

  • No it’s not bad at all, ime a grandad with pancreatic and spinal cancer, my grand kids are uncomfortable around me and I understand, it is what it is and as a grandad, we have had a good run, be happy, that’s what he wants for you.

    john

  • Hello John and Dave,

    Thank you both for your replies. I went to go and see him today as we have been told he has only days left. I now feel glad I managed to do it as he was just peacefully sleeping and in pain and I hope he could hear my voice. I will treasure my happy memories with him. Thanks again :)

     

    P.s. my grandad is called Dave :)

  • Hello John and Dave,

     

    Thank you both for your replies. I went to go and see him today as we have been told he has only days left. I now feel glad I managed to do it as he was just peacefully sleeping and in pain and I hope he could hear my voice. I will treasure my happy memories with him. Thanks again :)

     

     

     

    P.s. my grandad is called Dave