My father in law passed (lung cancer) suddenly one year ago. While we knew it would happen eventually, it was still a shock because he was getting stronger and feeling better. But I do remember him saying that is usually how it happens.

When I told our kids he wasn’t coming home and transitioned the first thing they said was “so grandma is going to be all alone?”

the roughest part was that night while consoling my wife in the garage the kids left their room and couldn’t find us and thought we passed away. The look on their faces man..

so for the next 3 months ALL they talked about was passing away, where do we go, when will we go, etc. These Disney movies don’t help either, someone always passes away on the first 30 minutes.

Got to a point where my oldest (7) was obsessed about it and she still has waves where she asked about our souls and why it has to happen.

I’ll also add, I had to catch myself when I almost said “I’ll always be here” and instead said “I’m going to be here for a long time, God willing and just know that regardless I will always be with you because you are a part of me and I’m a part of you”.. Now, that didn’t really give total assurance but I try to let them know this is why we have to make the most of our time while alive and death is a part of life. So don’t spend too much time thinking about death.. appreciate every day that you get to make up and experience another chance to make your life better. I just got back from Nashville and my daughter jumped in bed and said “I love that you are home” and man.. I responded “I love that I’m home with you guys too”

Now.. a funny and cruel ass story.

My youngest said “daddy, one day your are going to be a grandaddy when I get married and have kids” and my oldest said “hmmm.. he’s probably not going to be alive that long to see all that”

me soul sank… gooooooootdamnnnnnn that was harsh, yet funny and lastly, it could be true since we had kids so late and I damn sure don’t want them having babies until they are are established and older. I’m like to think I will be around but when I told my wife she was like “welp.. I mean… “

lastly,

I remember when my mom said “I’m not going to be here forever” and I was probably 15 at the time and I fucking lost it. I come from a big family so I’ve been going to funerals since I was 4. I probably averaged at least 2 funerals a year. But realizing my mom would die one day fucked me up.

Just be honest and sincere.. and patient because they will ask, then ask again.. and you wont have all the answers.

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TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*