My boss is dying of cancer...what can I do?

Question

My boss is dying of cancer and was given about a month left to live. The entire family is Greek and I am really fond of my boss and his wife. I really want to do something to help them, but I do not know what I should do, or can do to help. Since they are Greek, I am not sure of their customs when it comes to a Greek woman losing her husband. Anyone know anything I can say or do to help?

Answer 1

Although they are Greek, I don't think you need to specifically help them through a standardly Greek way.

The best thing you can do for them is to let them know that you are there for them. You can do this in many ways. Offer to do their grocery shopping for them, pick up prescriptions, housesit pets.

As a current cancer patient, I can tell you that these helpful things make a huge difference. Just knowing that YOU are there for them will make them FEEL SO MUCH BETTER.

Cancer is a very stressful thing for the family and the person affected, the best thing friends can do is BE THERE WHEN THEY ASK YOU TO BE, and when they want to be left alone, respect their desire to be alone, and give them their space.

Making a phone call, dropping email messages, or just bringing some flowers from your own garden will brighten their day.

Remember, most of their day is probably in a dark, saddened mood, if you are able to brighten it with just your presence, and your offers of helping simple household things, it will relieve some of their stress.

I'm assuming if he's going to die in a month, they are making a lot of arrangements, which could mean they may need people to just sit with him so he's not alone. Offer to do that as well.

You are a very good friend for reaching out to them, they will certainly appreciate it!

Answer 2

I'm sorry :( My mother died from Cervical Cancer when I was 10 and I never even got to say goodbye to her on her very last breath, plus I grew up most of my life here in the US while my mom was born and raised in the Philippines and my family came here when I was young. For me, I think you should really spend lots of times with your boss. Maybe have dinner with his family or something that can be very memorable to his family. After all he doesn't have much time to live. You should also try to do some research over the internet about the greek custom and cultural background.

I hope this helps you.

God Bless.

- Grace.

Answer 3

All you can really do, especially if your not sure of their Greek customs, is to be there for them. To support them in their time of need. When my cousin died, people brought food over to make sure we had food to eat, and so we wouldn't have to do a lot of cooking to do. Just ask them if they need anything, and if they say they dont "now", then tell them you'll be more than willing to help them out if they need it later. Prayer helps too, just keep them in your prayers, and do what I said above, and they'll be thanking you later. I know because its happened to me, and I was grateful.

Answer 4

The universal language of kindness is food. If he's dying, she may be too depressed to be eating properly. Take her food.

Even if he's dying, he's still human and enjoys the same things. Did he like comedy movies? Buy him one. Operas? Find some music. Clothing? A new sweater.

Answer 5

The only thing you can really do is be there. Most people don't want sympathy, they just want to be treated normal. You can offer your shoulder to the wife because she might need to talk to someone who is not family. Sometimes that helps. Give them your home phone number and tell them to call anytime. Sometimes just knowing that you care is all they really need.

Answer 6

Comfort your boss as much as possible.
You should probably also ask this question in the society section.

Answer 7

how about just letting them know you are there if they need you