My mom's sister is dying. What can I do for her?

[Catty1]

My aunt is the first of the 4 sisters and 1 brother to pass away. My mom has survived the loss of her husband in 1996, and her younger daughter in 2006. It's sadly ironic that I have lost a sister and she hasn't yet.

I know this is a loss unlike any other. I will ask her what I can do. But she'll be grieving this one alone. Hopefully she will head to Winnipeg later where her other two sisters are.

I will be there for her, of course. But any ideas? In some ways I feel lost...and sad for my aunt.

Thanks.

[Freedom]

Some people want to talk about it, talk it through, some don't. Some do for some people and not for other people. Be prepared if your mom wants to talk, about what is happening, or about when they were kids, etc. And if she doesn't want to talk, don't push.

Can't think of anything else just now.

[Alysser]

When experiencing grief, there is sometimes just nothing you CAN do but be there for the person. Having experienced grief myself, I didn't want to talk with anyone when it happened about it for awhile. I still hate talking about it. Grief is a very private thing, everyone greives differently. All you can do, honestly, is be there for her.

((hugs)) & many thoughts going to your mom at this time. I am so sorry for your losses.

[Queen of Poop]

I am very sorry.

My moms sister is also dying. Lung cancer and we don't know how much time she has left.

My sister left this world in 1986 so I've been without her a long time.

Maybe ensure your mom doesn't have survivors guilt. That has been my biggest burden.

[phesina]

I am so very sorry, Candace.

All I can think of that you can do, as others have already said, is be with her in her grief and let her know how much you love her.

Does your aunt live near you and your mom? If so, you could maybe help your mom out with ordinary tasks, such as picking up groceries or looking after her pets, so she can spend more time with her sister? Or help your aunt and/or her caretakers if any with their chores?

I know you love your mother and your aunt both very much, and they both know that too and draw great comfort from it.

[Catty1]

Hi, Pat:

My mom lives near me - I booked her flight online and printed out her boarding pass and will take her to the airport tomorrow morning. I am concerned about what I can do for my mom - she is losing a sister! - and she said just what I am doing now, helping her get there etc.

The kennel where I used to work - her kitty is there again, and she noticed the daily fee wasn't as high as last time! I think Holly and Ted gave her a break.

My aunt is in Kamloops. About an 8 hr drive, 1 hr flight. Apparently she had a pretty good day today, but the doctors say it won't last. Her other sister is visiting son, DIL and grandkids in Halifax - and just CANNOT get any flights out til Wednesday! They are praying she rallies for a bit!

What I did tonight was print some Christmas pics on a piece of writing paper, and I will send her a note with my mom tomorrow. Also, am about to put a few pics on CD for her to see if someone can beg, borrow or steal a laptop!

Thanks all.