Death is a topic none of us likes to talk about.
Rationally, we know that death is inevitable, but the complex reactions of grief, fear, and anger associated with it are rarely rational.
Author Jen Babakhan was forced to wrestle with the harsh realities of death on Mother’s Day weekend a few years ago when her dad called early one morning to say that doctors had discovered tumors in her mom’s liver, lungs, and bones. She had stage 4 cancer with a life expectancy of 6-8 weeks. That initial diagnosis ended up stretching to almost three years.
Complicating her mother’s terminal illness was the complexity of their relationship. Throughout that time, Jen realized that she could either mourn the death she knew was coming or she could focus on the life her mom was still living – a daily, sometimes hourly, decision.
The uncertainty and “what ifs” of watching someone we love transition from life to death can be traumatic. As Christians, we have hope even in the midst of the death of those we love, but we must also acknowledge the difficult emotions of grief, sorrow, and loss that families experience.
What’s the most healthy way to navigate life when someone you love is facing a terminal illness?
Jen Babakhan is joining me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to share her story of navigating her mother’s terminal diagnosis and the aftermath of her death. She also offers comfort, encouragement, and practical advice for families facing the death of a loved one, including:
• How to hold on to hope.
• Preparing for grief.
• Managing grief.
• Why you should step away from social media and the internet.
• Finding a safe and familiar place to rest.
• Being proactive about making memories instead of dreading the future.
• Sharing grief and loss with children.
Hear my full conversation with Jen Babakhan on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or on our free phone app.
If you’re struggling and would like to speak with a counselor, call Focus on the Family for a free consultation. Leave your name and number, and they’ll get back with you as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
Jen’s book Disrupted: Finding Peace with a Parent’s Terminal Illness is available for a gift of any amount. And when you help Focus on the Family today with a gift, your donation will be DOUBLED for twice the impact in helping others through this ministry. Our thanks to generous donors who’ve made that possible. For more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
The post Facing Farewell: Navigating Your Parent’s Terminal Illness appeared first on Jim Daly.
| Written by Jim Daly with Paul Batura | Jim Daly | Read full story at Read More
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