My Grandfather is terminally ill with cancer. When I visit with him I want to do all that I can to be good company and help him relax. I usually rub his feet and back, read to him, play games like hangman, etc. and then I run out of ideas. Anyone have other suggestions for entertainment or relaxation that I can provide?
2006-06-19 02:23:39 · 9 answers · asked by wonderwoman 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
What you are doing is so amazing. Just spending time with him is the best gift you could give, and you are receiving as well because your time with him will be remembered forever. All those who suggested you record his stories are right on the mark. When my Mother was terminally ill, she loved to tell us stories which we will treasure forever. She loved to just hear us chatter away about our lives and what was happening because it helped to take her mind off the pain. Spend as much time with him as you possibly can, it is very rewarding for both of you. If he is quite ill, just holding his hand and rubbing his back helps immensely. Days when he is up to it, bring a deck of cards and play a few rounds with him. Mom loved it when we just combed her hair, it relaxed her. Another idea is to bring him your family photo albums, it stirs up a lot of memories and they enjoy that as well.
I commend you for being such a caring grandchild. You will be so happy that you are, and you can take great pride in the fact that you had quality time to spend with him during his final days.
You brought tears to my eyes!
2006-06-19 09:15:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sassy is right. Get a tape recorder and learn as much as you can about him. Get him to tell you about the Great Depression. Was he in world war II. How was life like? What were his parents like? Where did his parents come from? Childhood memories? Did he meet anyone famous? (I mean why learn history from a history book when you have someone really to talk to and from a first person perspective.)
People don't realize that our senior population are a great resource. They can give you a sense of who you are and where you came from. These stories can be passed down to your children. When my dad died, I didn't have a chance to record his history and now its lost forever. And as I have grow older, I regret not knowing and feel that there is a piece of something missing.
Wouldn't it be kewl to learn that his grand da was in the civil war or you grand dad was part of D-day and stormed Normandy.
2006-06-19 09:31:19 · answer #2 · answered by julius 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend that that you read the King James version of the Bible. It contains the answers to your questions.
God the Father knew you before you we born in eternity past and when you were formed in your mother womb. We are born with a Soul that will live for eternity. We must decide as a free will agent to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior or not.
Our decision determines whether we spend eternity in Heaven or Hell.
I Pray that you make the right decision.
Jesus Christ Loves You.
God Bless you is my prayer.
David
2006-06-19 09:26:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it'd be cool if you two could make something together though I don't know how mobile he still is. Make a puzzle together or do a crossword.... or if he can.. it'd be really cool if you could make some art together, you know, something you could keep forever to remember him by. That'd be really nice... depending on how mobile he is, maybe you could look up some joint craft projects or something, find one that he would be able to help you out with or do together with you... or if nothing else, something he could help you decide how to design... something you can do as a team. Try a parenting site maybe... they usually have nice craft ideas.
Or maybe you could collect some old photos and make a photo album together with his input. Even if he's not mobile, something he can give input on would be good. My grandfather loves reminiscing over old photos.
good luck
2006-06-19 09:55:42 · answer #4 · answered by chigaimasu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone here has listed great answers. When my grandfather was dying, I just made sure he knew how much I loved him and how proud I was to have him as a grandpa. Also, I reiterated that I was happy in my life. That seemed to bring him some sense of comfort.
My thoughts are with you and your family...
2006-06-19 11:59:51 · answer #5 · answered by PiccChick12 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like the idea of recording his memories of growing up.
Also, be sure to fill him in on what's going on with you, and let him know you value his opinion.
2006-06-19 09:29:55 · answer #6 · answered by Catowner 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if he is able, let him talk about his youth...when he was a boy or young man. Use a tape recorder so you can have his memories forever.
2006-06-19 09:25:47 · answer #7 · answered by Sassy OLD Broad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask him to share his memories from when he was a child.
Ask him to give you what he knows about your family tree
Theses are things that are irreplaceable when he is gone...
2006-06-19 09:32:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just talk to him . tell him about your day..even if you did nothing,,make up something...and you are a good grandchild ...
2006-06-22 01:11:21 · answer #9 · answered by purple 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋