my dad is dying - I feel like I am on a roller coaster

[janx]

my dad has been intensive care in Ireland for 2 weeks now - he is basically being kept alive by machines - every few days they have been doing assessments to decide what to do. I am in London with 2 small children and have seen him once. My mum is with him all the time. Yesterday there seemed some improvement - today the doctors seem less hopeful. He has said he never wanted to be dependent on machines - I can't help feeling he would not want this

I'm very sorry - what an awful time for you. Is there any way you can get back over there? Could you bring the DCs and leave them with family in Ireland while you get to the hospital?

So very sorry for you, I know I dont know you, but you are a daughter who loves her Dad, like me. My Dad died within 2 weeks of being diagnosed with cancer that was 8 years ago, there isnt a day goes by I don`t miss him. Lots of love to you xxxx

Thanks for your messages - it looks like they are going to switch off the machines in the next couple of days - so I am going over tomorrow with my family. I have been trying to explain things to my little girl who is nearly 4 - it is quite difficult

Janx, so sorry you have to face this. There is the most wonderful little book if you can get hold of it to help your little one understand. Its called Waterbugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney, its a tiny simple book explaining death in a way that they can understand. When my son died in 1994 I had many books sent to me about death and grief etc. This is the book that meant more to me than any other, yet its meant for children. Its tiny and simple, I bought mine at our local Christian book shop. If you cannot find a copy I would be very happy to lend you mine, truly xxx