What do I say to someone dying?

Unfortunately this is not a clickbait title.


I know this isn't a sale related post but I wanted some advice.


My aunt was battling cancer and now she is going to just accept it rather than going through chemo again, which is understandable.


When I visit her what do I say to her?


In a normal conversation people always like to say "how's it going" or "how are you".


What would you say or talk about?

๐Ÿ™ Mental Wellness
20
SlinginSoftware
Politicker
9
Account Executive
I went through the same thing with my aunt, but it was on the phone because she was cross country. I was planning on visiting in a few weeks, but things started to decline quickly so we knew I wouldnโ€™t be able to see herโ€ฆ it was actually a pretty simple conversation.

I told her that I love her and asked her what the most important part of her life was. From there I just listened to what she had to sayโ€ฆ
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
0
Sales
Oh yea thats tough being far away.ย 

Thanks for sharing.
CaneWolf
Politicker
5
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
Tell her you love her and celebrate the good memories with her. Just remind her that her life was worthwhile.
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
0
Sales
Thank you for the tip
CuriousFox
WR Officer
4
๐ŸฆŠ
Say you love her and share your favorite memories. Let her say what she wants.ย  Be there. Listen.ย 
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
1
Sales
Thank you for that.
BullDawg
Politicker
3
AE
Nothing here I can say that hasnโ€™t already been said - just wanted to express my condolences. Itโ€™s a shitty part of life and never easy
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
0
Sales
Thanks man, it is the sucky part of about life.
Do.it.for.the.checks
Politicker
2
Account Executive
My condolences. I honestly have no remotely accurate answer. A good friend's Dad recently was told his Dad had a few weeks and then passed away. Only thing I was able to do was be there. Beers and steaks.

Not the same situation, but I'd think you need to do the same. Be there and be strong. Enjoy the time you have left together
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
1
Sales
Thanks man, thats pretty much exactly how it went down, family got together and just drink and eat.ย 
Do.it.for.the.checks
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Good to hear!
neversettle
Politicker
2
SDR
Iโ€™m so sorry. My mom passed from cancer 4 years ago. Itโ€™s not easy. Just be a listening ear for her. I think she would just want you to make her feel comfortable and loved during the time she has left!
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
0
Sales
Yea im sure it tough on my cousins end, thanks for the share.
1nbatopshotfan
Politicker
2
Sales
Sorry that youโ€™re going through this.ย 

To echo the below, focus on what was good, and really listen. Ask her questions about what her childhood was like, or what she did in her 20s. Give her space to talk about her life so that you can remember her as she wants to be remembered.ย 

Youโ€™ll also want to bring up good times so that she doesnโ€™t think your lasting impression of her is her decline.ย 

Stay strong and seek help when needed.ย 
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
0
Sales
Thank you for the suggestions, definitely good to keep things positive.ย 
Justatitle
Big Shot
2
Account Executive
From someone thatโ€™s watched the whole thing happen to a brain cancer patient thereโ€™s no wrong thing to say and thereโ€™s no right thing to say. The most important part is that they know you love them. Laughing is ok crying is ok and so is silence. Thoughts are with you and sorry your aunt and you have to go through this.ย 
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
0
Sales
That is true, as long as we are all together is what really matters. Thank you
artofsales
Good Citizen
2
Sr. Director of Enterprise Sales
Sorry to hear this...

My advice, Don't talk about her health. Talk to her about everything else... Your favorite memories with her during your childhood, your life/relationship now.. A time well spent would be one that you let her forget about her current health.
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
0
Sales
Thank for you for that.ย 
ragnarlothbrok
Politicker
1
Key account manager
Sending love bro, just ask her what she would like to talk about
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
1
Sales
Thanks man, appreciate it.ย 
MCP
Valued Contributor
1
Sales Director
Whatever she wants, just be there.
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
0
Sales
Thank you
privateryan
Politicker
1
Director of Sales
I echo the "whatever she wants/needs" - but ask her. "Is there anything can I do for you today?" etc. She'll just enjoy the company. Often times, people who are terminal may just want a normal day with a loved one...
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
0
Sales
Yea i think that is the best just to be there with them.ย 
sellingsellssold
Politicker
1
SDR
I would just talk to her normally and spend as much time with her as possible, enjoy all the time. Its a horrible situation and I hope she gets better. Praying for both you and your family.ย 
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
0
Sales
Thank you I will do that.ย 
cw95
Politicker
1
Sales Development Lead
The advice I have given people is that the person suffering wouldnโ€™t want to see you upset nor suffer because of them. They are fully aware you love them and are there to make it all better, the best thing you can do is be normal around them (although i know itโ€™s not normal) and make them feel happy and as though they are still in normality. Just keep the conversation flowing, the jokes and laughter going. Sorry if that makes no sense! However, sorry youโ€™re going through this! Stay strong buddy.
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
0
Sales
Makes perfect sense, thanks for sharing man!
Blackwargreymon
Politicker
1
MDR
I went through the same thing with my aunt, but it was on the phone because she was cross country.
Error32
Politicker
0
ISR
I guess depending on your role you might still have to take on some simple tasks which is fine, but I wouldn't be going out of my way to find work for myself or go over and above for anyone, that's for sure.
2

What do you do when someone hangs up on you? (Poll/Discussion)

Question
6
What do you do?
29 people voted
6

What do you do when someone preaches to the world they are a good cold caller but you know they are lying?

Question
14
14

Be fearless. You're NEVER "bothering" someone. You're asking them to do their job.

Advice
16