Illnesses

What do you do to cope with the fact that someone really close to you (like a friend, or family) is really sick and could possibly die very soon? If anyone has any suggestions on how to cope I'd really appreciate it.

Talk to them about it, and make small preparations for when they leave. Start toughening yourself up. I don't mean to begin loosing connection with them, and don't think that you won't cry for months, even years, after they're gone. But talk to yourself constantly. Take small steps to make sure that you are okay for when they leave.
Tell a friend, and make sure that that friend is prepared to be around when your loved one dies.

That's all I can think of.

To be honest, there is no preparation to deal with that kind of loss, you just have to take it in stride.

Just remember, when you lose them, don't hold yourself back from crying.
It's the people who hold it all in that suffer the most.

//T.L.//

Understand that dying is a part of life. It's natural and it has to happen sooner or later...and know that they're going to a better place.

Take Care.

xDarkSuicidex

u just need to understand that god has plans for everyone and thats his plan for your person close to you.. i have a cousin that has cystic fibrosis and she can die at any time and u need 2 understand tha thats gods journey 4 her in life but im not goin 2 treat her any better just love my cousin like always

But how do you know they're going to a better place? (I don't believe in God)

Heather,

I don't know really what to say to you ~ we all have our rights to our own beliefs. I happen to very strongly believe in God, and I know there is a better place upon my death.

One thing I can say (no matter what your belief is) is that this person very much needs you to continue to be there for them (visits and support). To me this is one very very important last thing we can do for someone we love and care very much about. I'm not saying this is an easy thing to do because I've been through it, and it is one of the hardest things to watch someone close to you go downhill. I guess in the end though, I personally have been able to deal with the loss better because I know I was a support and loving person in their final days.

Is not believeing in God & praying part of "avoiding the situation"?

Well... I'm agnostic so I don't know what I believe in.