Saying Goodbye to My Parent | Tips and Advice (2024)

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Saying Goodbye to My Parent | Tips and Advice (1)

Parent's cancer

My parent's cancer can't be cured

Saying goodbye

Saying goodbye to my parent

Saying Goodbye to My Parent | Tips and Advice (2)

Saying Goodbye to My Parent | Tips and Advice (3)

Youth Cancer Service

How do you possibly think about saying goodbye to your mum or dad?? But if you know they are likely to die soon, you have the chance to say things you want to say and ask your mum or dad about what they want to happen after they die.


How do you know when it’s time?

No one can tell you exactly when your parent is going to die. So, how do you prepare to say goodbye? It might seem a bit embarrassing to have big deep and meaningfuls and tell your mum or dad all your deepest secrets when they might still be around for months or years. Or you might be worried that they will think you have lost hope if you start talking about life without them.

But now, more than ever, you will both benefit by knowing how much you love each other.


Tips from other young people who’ve been through this:

Don’t let things go unsaid

It may not be easy to talk openly about your feelings, especially right now. Here are some ideas to get you started: Thank you for… I’m sorry that… I love you because … I feel proud when you … I forgive you for… I hope that… If only… What scares me the most is… A favourite memory I have is… You make me laugh when… I’ll miss you. I know that this is really hard for you too. I will be OK. I will get through this somehow. Do you have any advice for me in the future? What are your hopes and dreams for me?

Just hang out together

If you can, make the most of the time you have with your parent, you will probably really cherish this time. Try to think of things you can still do together. You might be able to play a board game, watch a movie, read the paper or a book to them, or get them to help you with your homework.

Make some one-on-one time

There might be lots of people around helping and wanting to spend time with your parent. But it’s okay to demand a bit of alone time with your mum or dad. You will value this time in the future.

Create memories and stories

Often when a person is dying, they like to reflect on their past and think of their achievements so that they can see that their life has been important. If your mum or dad feels up to it, you could sit down and talk about their favourite memories and look back over their life. You could also ask them to tell you about their thoughts and dreams for you and your future. You might like to record these somehow so that when those big events happen – your graduation, your wedding, having kids – you can remember the conversations you had and feel like your mum or dad is part of them. If you have the opportunity now, you might be able to start collecting things that will help to remind you of them in the future. This might be something you can do together. There are lots of ideas for collecting memories and preparing – as hard as it is – for your mum’s or dad’s death in Canteen’s free book ‘Now what? When your parent’s cancer can’t be cured which you candownload or order here.

Don’t try to do it alone

This is a really tough time, and you may feel completely alone and unsure about what to do next. It can help to talk to other young people who have lost their mum or dad to cancer and find out what they did, or would have done differently. Log in to theCanteen Community. Ourcounsellorscan give you some advice for getting through this too.

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More resources for dealing with your parent's cancer

Palliative care for my parent's cancer

Grieving before your parent dies

Dealing with the news my parent’s cancer can't be cured

You're not alone

Saying Goodbye to My Parent | Tips and Advice (7)

Chat with people who get you. Get time out at our fun events. Talk to a counsellor (it’s free!).

Saying Goodbye to My Parent | Tips and Advice (2024)

FAQs

Saying Goodbye to My Parent | Tips and Advice? ›

WHEN YOU SAY GOODBYE TO A PARENT You are suddenly living in a whole new world. You are no longer 'the child' and regardless of how long you have officially been 'grown up' for, you realise you actually never were until this moment.

When you say goodbye to a parent quotes? ›

WHEN YOU SAY GOODBYE TO A PARENT You are suddenly living in a whole new world. You are no longer 'the child' and regardless of how long you have officially been 'grown up' for, you realise you actually never were until this moment.

How do you say goodbye to a dad who passed away? ›

I love you to the moon and back. How lucky am I to have had a father so special that I miss you this much? As much as I'm hate not having you around, I'm happy to know you're at peace. You may not be with me any more, but my love for you will never die.

How do you tell your family goodbye? ›

"Farewell, my dear family member. The memories we made together will always hold a special place in my heart. Your kindness, loyalty and willingness to always be there for others have been a true inspiration to me. I will miss your presence, your laughter and your love.

What is the first organ to shut down when dying? ›

The brain is the first organ to begin to break down, and other organs follow suit. Living bacteria in the body, particularly in the bowels, play a major role in this decomposition process, or putrefaction.

What's the hardest age to lose a parent? ›

In adulthood (26-64 years)

Adults may experience heightened concerns about their own mortality, the well-being of the remaining parent, and the need to handle complex family dynamics or financial responsibilities left in the wake of their parent's death.

What is a beautiful quote for the loss of a father? ›

"Whenever I am missing you, I also remember how fortunate I was that you were in my life. I wouldn't trade those moments for the world."

What to do when you miss your dad who died? ›

Spend time with friends and family.

Try to be alone for no more than three hours during the day. Instead, spend some time with your family and friends, particularly those who were close to your father. You'll be able to help each other get through it. If you need some time alone, that's OK too.

What do you say in a final goodbye? ›

“I love you.” These three words are one of the greatest phrases to use in goodbyes. Practice saying them. “I forgive you.” or “I'm sorry.” These are powerful goodbye words and can transform you and the person who receives them for a lifetime. “Thank you” is another comforting goodbye phrase.

What to say to someone when they tell you their parent is dying? ›

Speak soothing words

Here are a few examples of phrases from this article from Renaissance Funeral Home and Crematory that mean the world to friends and family who are suffering an impending loss: “I love you, always.” “I'm here for you, no matter what.” “You're not alone; we're in this together.”

When someone says their parent passed away? ›

I'm so sorry for your loss.” “I want to express sympathy for your loss. I'm sure it's extremely difficult to go through this.” “I know this is a difficult time, but my thoughts are with you and your family as you grieve.”

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