What to write to a dying grandparent

[Free4Life11]

I try and write my grandparents pretty regularly and my grandma always comments that my sister and I are the only ones that write out of a lot of grandchildren! Anyways I found out that my grandpa is dying and wont last much longer. I feel pretty bad since I haven't seem in a long time. I don't know what to say in the letter. I think I'll just include the usual stuff, telling them about interesting things in my life, but I don't know what else to say. I don't really want to mention anything about him dying but I do want him to know I am thinking about him and very sad about this. Don't really know what to say though. I wish he could make it to Christmas so that we'd all get one last chance to see him, but I think I need to say something since there's a good chance he wont make it.

 

[Daxx]

I'd prob. write about some of the things that he taught you, that you appreciate all that he's done for you and things that you enjoyed doing. IE: remember the time when we (fill in here) ... I'm so glad that I got to do that w/you! It's a memory I'll always treasure and will pass along to my children. Let him know how much he's loved and that your time spent w/him was so worthwhile.

Sorry for your grandfather's illness. I'll keep you in my prayers!

Warmly,
Daxx's Wife

 

[chager]

First off let me say I am sorry that your grandfather is ill. Mine is also and has been given 4-6 weeks. Chances are he won't be here for Christmas and Thanksgiving is ifey.
I wouldn't ignore the fact he is ill. You could just ask how he is feeling/doing. I wouldn't dwell on it but I wouldn't ignore it either. If you don't feel comfortable writing them about maybe you could call them and let them know you are thinking about him.

 

[safetymom]

Be sure to mention how much he has meant to you over the years and that you love him. As another person mentioned tell them both some favorite memorites that you have.

If you have been saying these things all along that is great.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm so sorry your grandfather is dying. One thing I will share is something my mom told me when she was diagnosed with her blood disease. She told me..."Honey, I'm not afraid of dying. What I am afraid of is that nobody will remember me...especially my grandchildren." So, be sure your grandfather knows what he has meant to you, that you will always remember him and speak of him often. I think that most of our grandparents want that exact same thing. That's one reason we speak of our passed on parents all the time with the kids. They were worthy of that kind of respect.

 

[C.Ann]

I'd prob. write about some of the things that he taught you, that you appreciate all that he's done for you and things that you enjoyed doing. IE: remember the time when we (fill in here) ... I'm so glad that I got to do that w/you! It's a memory I'll always treasure and will pass along to my children. Let him know how much he's loved and that your time spent w/him was so worthwhile.

Sorry for your grandfather's illness. I'll keep you in my prayers!

Warmly,
Daxx's Wife

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That's exactly what I was going to say!! Make the letter a "walk down memory lane".. There's nothing older people enjoy more than reminiscing and it will make him feel SO good that you have many years of fond memories.. Keep it happy and light - remind him how important he has been as a grandpa and how much you love him..

 

[Dare2Wish]

Don't mention his condition, but let him know how much you love him.

 

[Kitty 34]

I wrote mine and told him I would love him forever.

 

[dmslush]

I wish I had been given the opportunity to write granny a letter before she died. It was sudden, and shocking. I'm sorry you are having to go through this, I know it is hard.

I agree with making it a walk down memory lane. I would have told my granny that I had so much fun with her when bubba and I stayed for the week when mom was having surgery. I would have talked about our trip to the flea market and the things we bought. I would have told her that the best part of my being pregnant was going to Ma's house (my great grandmother) every sunday knowing that Granny would have me a hot pot of green beans and a pan of homemade biscuits. And I would have told her that she is the BEST granny in the world!!