What do you say to a dying person?

Question

It's a matter of time - weeks, months, years.
What do you talk about?
What would your conversations be about?

Answer 1

Oh my, all I can do is share my experience. All of my maternal/paternal family members have all passed away. However, from keeping this from being too lengthy, I will share about the last, my brother who died last year.

My brother was six years older than me. He and I were very close because we loved one another and we were the only two remaining. We often talked about being the last member and how hard that would be.

So, when he found out that he was terminally ill, my brother called to inform me. But, he did so with love. He even aplogized and said that he had hoped that God would call him home one day after my burial.

After this, our conversations were more about memories and the happy times we all had shared. We spoke of the future only in short term. He had worked on fixing up an older car...I think it was a Dodge Charger like he had when he was younger, and we focused alot on him getting things finished so he could drive it. It was his dream.

He was told that he had up to five years to live but, he died only three months after his diagnosis. Those talks and discussions will forever stay with me! The only regret is that he never got to drive his car. But, he was a lover of God and had told me that he was ready when God called him home. He was!

Answer 2

Just tell them you love them and maybe reminisce over a few of the good times together. Try not to get maudlin as you want them to be happy. We all fear dying if not death itself and you could try to keep their mind away from dark thoughts as much as possible. Talk about God and the kingdom that they will soon be entering to meet with old friends who have gone before. Hope this helps xx

Answer 3

Ask them what they want to talk about. Spend time doing what they want to do. Be real if they know they are dying don't pretend they are not. Don't walk on egg shells. I know of a young man who was dying and made jokes with his mom that she was going to have a time finding a casket long enough for him (he was very tall) she told him she could always just fold him up because he was skinny. That may sound bad but for them it helped easy the tension. When I saw him I always asked whats new? hows it going? I also tried to share anything new or funny with him.
What ever you talk about or do cherish each moment and never say good bye when you leave their presence without saying I love you, or I care about you. That way you know you said it.

Answer 4

I would make sure they knew I loved them and would be there until their time was up. Society has made death a taboo subject, yet, we all go there. I've learned from experience that most people who know they are dying are ready, willing and able to discuss death, but we are just afraid to bring it up. There are exceptions to this, of course, bitterness does come out sometimes. Over all, though, I think all you can do is offer your time and love because our time here is preciously short.

Peace, Love, and Blessings
Greenwood

Answer 5

Talk about all the things you did before you knew they were dying. Do things they enjoy and make what time they have left a good as possible. Tell them how you feel about them and that they will be missed.

The worst thing you can do is worry about every word you say and walk on eggshells.

Answer 6

Depends on who it was. I suppose anything I thought they needed to hear (apologies for breaking the window when I was a kid maybe) I would tell now. But mostly...get what you can (and I do mean ask for stories or hint on how to live life, not like cookies or passwords to the computer).

Try reading Tuesdays with Morrie, it'll give you a quick rundown of what one person imagined happened in somebody's final days.

Answer 7

I don't know; I've never been around a dying relative. My family members tend to check out with a minimum of fanfare (or they take so long that their mind is gone by the time the body dies.)

Answer 8

well first, who am i talking to? a family member or the unibomer?

i guess whatever they want to talk about since their time is short. none of us are promised the next second though. maybe make sure all of their papers are in order. any last wishes. places they would like to go or things they would like to do. conversation would be about what they wish.

Answer 9

Well, my Dad had a "Planned" death; not suicide, but refusal of medication.

We got all his friends to visit him and they brough Jack Daniels ... looked at pictures ... shared the bonds they had. His friend from childhood came up and they were looking at picutures and leaning in toward each other ... then the song, "Lean on me" (when you're not strong) came on the radio ... I was bawling; so beautiful to witness!!!

The closer my Dad got to dying, the more energy he had. I couldn't keep up with him. He wanted to be 1000% sure his affairs were in order (estate, will, finances, repairs to house) ... I had the unique opportunity to give many thanks to him and ease his mind about decisions that was heavy on his heart ... It was a blessing 4 sure.

I've also heard from my friends who've experienced death that they get that last jolt of energy ... surpassing everyone before their last breath.

Answer 10

According to the Bible, if they die without Jesus they don't see the kingdom of God.
My conversation with a dying person would be to get them saved so they go to heaven. Yes, there is a heaven and there is a hell. Most people don't like to hear what us Christians have to say, but it is because we speak the truth. I don't know what your beliefs are or what the dying persons beliefs are, but they must be born again to see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com