3YO’s Grandpa is dying. Suggestions for saying goodbye.

Toddler 1-3 Years

My father is passing away after a 14mo battle with pancreatic cancer in the next couple of weeks. He has gone through a successful Whipple surgery and over 30 rounds of chemotherapy but the cancer has metastasized and now is preventing him from eating or drink.

My dad has a very close relationship with my children, 3yo daughter and 6mo old son. We haven’t shared much information to my 3yo as it’s her first real experience with death.

My dad has asked to see the kids during his now final week or so stay in the hospital. I am nervous about it but I want to grant him the request and I think(?) it may help my daughter to understand it.

I’m asking others who have a gone through similar situations for any suggestions on how they navigated it and what they might have done differently.

Thank you.

Posted Mar 2, 2026, 4:02 PM UTC

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