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How to handle watching a loved one die

by Dawn Hawkins

Created on: February 24, 2010

When you find out that someone you love is dying, it turns your world upside down. It isn’t an easy situation to handle it, but it is what you were given and you have to learn to deal with it as best you can. Remember that your loved one has to come first at all times. Though you are going through horrible pain knowing you will have to watch them die, they are in the position of knowing they will die. It is up to you to support this person that you love so much.


Here is how to handle watching a loved one die:


Be There


The most important thing you have to do when someone you love is dying is to be there for them. This is where unconditional love means more than anything else in the world. Let your loved one know that you will be right by their side no matter what. You may not think you are strong enough to watch your loved one die. You are much stronger than you think. Do not stay away because you don’t think you can handle it. Think about how your loved one feels.


Acceptance


It is easy to go into denial about a loved one dying. It is important that you accept the fact that a loved one is dying so that you can prepare yourself for it. You have a chance to say goodbye. Not everyone gets that chance. Say your goodbyes or see you later’s so that you don’t have any regrets. Make sure that your loved one knows how much you love them and that you will always remember them. Accepting the impending death of your loved one will help them cope with the situation better as well.


Make Arrangements


If you know that your loved one is dying, you can begin to make arrangements. This gives your loved one a chance to be a part of the decision making process as well. Ask your loved one what he/she would like to have happen as far as the funeral is concerned. This can help you both face the situation and do something that will need to be done anyway. It is not morbid to make arrangements for a funeral when you know that they are going to die soon. It will help you and the person who is dying. You won’t have to worry about the arrangements when you are at the height of grief.


Hold Hands


When you are losing someone you love, one of the best ways to show how very much you care is to take their hand in yours. This is a comfort to your loved one. You will be surprised how peaceful watching someone you love die can be. It isn’t always a hard death. It can be something very beautiful that you cannot describe or explain in words. Death isn’t the end, there is more after that. Better things are coming for your loved one when they reach heaven’s gates.


Losing someone you love is hard to handle. It isn’t something that anyone wants to deal with, but it is something we all have to deal with. If you follow the tips above for how to handle watching someone you love die, you will find yourself at more peace when the time actually comes. Letting go is the hardest part.

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