watching something like that is one of the most horrible and saddest things anyone can have to do. Amazingly, the person in the situation is usually so much stronger than the ones surrounding them. I can't say I have any fantastic advice...but know that others have been there too. It was a big help to me to know exactly what was going on with my dad while he was sick...the changes his body was going through and things like that. It also helped a lot to talk to people who are going through the same thing. My mom and I always posted on the Johns Hopkin's message board relating directly to the cancer facing our family. The input others gave us was great!

If I may, let me direct you to my website...www.shutterbug0303.net/dad.htm
If you scroll to the bottom, there are links that describe the dragonfly background and a another link by Henry Van Dyke. Please read these and hopefully find some comfort in them.

I'm so sorry that you (or anyone) has to go through this. The best thing is to just be there for each other - and don't worry about keeping a happy face. We all know that every human only has so much emotional strength...it's ok to let it out. I will be sending my deepest and heartfelt prayers to your family