My children’s father is dying

My ex husband and I split up 4 years ago, we had two children together that are now 10, and 8.

My ex was physically and verbally abusive to my to our 10 year old son. And has struggled with alcohol addiction for about 11 years now. He currently lives about 3 hours away, and only sees the kids supervised on birthdays, and calls approximately 2 times a month.

My ex messaged me this morning informing me he’s in the hospital and has been diagnosed with stage 4 cirrhosis, and the doctors are saying he has 5 months left, 2 years with a transplant.

As you can imagine my 10 year old has a very strained relationship with his father but still loves his dad, but my 8 year old is a total daddy’s girl.

We decided to not say anything to the kids until the diagnosis is confirmed, and there’s a treatment plan in place.

But my question is, what do I do? How can I possibly even prepare my children for such a devastating loss? My heart is already breaking for them.