My Father dying distancing himself

[tashi]

Hi all sorry I feel like a bit of a serial poster but I find in my life no one gives honest genuine advice just sympathy that I don't want . I'm 23 and up until my dad was diagnosed with cancer we were very close . It is unlikely he will live past the next 4 years my heart aches to think about a world without him . I havnt had to deal with a lot of loss in my life . My father won't talk to me about it which I understand but he is becoming like a stranger to me especially ever since I had my son a few months ago . I feel like this should be the time to make memories together and for him to bond with his first grandchild it makes me incredibly sad that he always seems to be busy or when we do spend time it's awkward . I've tried to speak to him about it and he just tells me everything is fine . When I know it's not . I just wanted to make his time left special he is in denial and has refused any treatment which to me just feels like giving up .shouldnt he want to fight to be here with his children he is only 55 that's to young to give up ! 😥 What do I do everytime I'm not busy being a mum this is what I think about

[Croix]

Dear Tashi~

You are in a very sad and upsetting position. When a parent has a terminal illness it is so hard, and you want to do what you can in the time remaining, to show love and help them leave legacy of good memories behind -as well as help them make the most of the remaining time.

I've been in the situation your father is, but it turned out to be a false alarm, however it does give me a little insight. The first thing of course is that being told about such a condition does not grant wisdom, or acceptance or much of anything. The person concerned has no road-map to follow, no guidelines at all. Just finding out how one feels about it can take an awful lot of time.

In the meantime by far the easiest way to go is 'business as usual' particularly if symptoms are not too intrusive. Having others - no matter how loved - try to fix or organize, even when done in love and with sympathy, can be unwelcome.

At this stage I guess the kindest thing you can do for your dad is follow his lead. If he says 'all good' and changes the subject then go with it. All you really need to do is keep an eye out to see if his thoughts and behavior changes, and react to the new circumstances if and when they happen.

It would not surprise me in the least if later on his attitude does change. The one good thing is I'm sure he would feel loved.

You know you can talk here as often as you'd like

Croix

[tashi]

Thank you . Yes I try to follow his lead and don't talk about it unless he brings it up fist but it's left me feeling like we are wasting precious time . I try to catch up as often as we can just coffee or a walk but i often he excused where as before he found out about his condition he would jump at any opportunity to hang out. I feel like he's avoiding me

[quirkywords]

Tashi,

It is a very difficult and emotional position for you and your dad.

Croix has given helpful advice so I won't repeat what he said.

Sometimes your dad maybe be reassuring you that everything is ok as he does not want to worry you as you are coping with your child. Maybe he does not want to worry you.

I wrote a letter to my dad once even though we were close, we used to argue and I wanted him to know how much I loved him. I was so glad I did. I am not sure if that would be appropriate for you but is just an idea.

Quirky

[Croix]

Dear Tashi~

I guess you have to ask yourself if the time is in fact being wasted. If your dad knows you are deliberately following his lead to make things easier for him, then I don't think it is wasted at all.

Quirky has mentioned two pretty good points, firstly that parents under these circumstances may indeed wish to shield there children, and secondly a letter might be an excellent idea.

Croix