Cancer and Death in the Family

[tirapet]

Today my aunt was diagnosed with Bone Cancer. My mom came up crying to me and told me the news. She gave me a long hug and managed out, "I don't want to lose a sister."

I-I didn't know how to respond other than keep hugging her and tell her it was going to be okay.
(I get rather uncomfortable when I see either of my parents crying...or anyone older than me, for that matter...I have no idea why!)

For some reason, I don't react to death (or the idea of near death) properly. The news didn't shake me at all, and I feel so heartless!! It's ironic because when I watch movies, I tend to cry often (especially with death), but in real life, my reaction is to hear the news, accept it, and distract myself instead of dwelling on it (I'm afraid I'm not too experienced with death). I don't even cry when someone close to me dies!! I'm shocked, for sure, but I don't weep or pine (I'll miss him or her, don't get me wrong).

Death in inevitable. But if we believe, we are able to go to Heaven (permitting we are welcomed in) which is WAY better than life on earth.

I-I don't know what I should do. How can I change the way I feel with death and all? Should I change? I don't know!!! I'm so lost... What should I do?? What's wrong with me??

 

[Boanerges]

I-I don't know what I should do. How can I change the way I feel with death and all? Should I change? I don't know!!! I'm so lost... What should I do?? What's wrong with me??

There is nothing wrong with you, this reaction is quite typical. As we lived on a cursed earth and our bodies are groaning and travailing awaiting His return death comes to all.
As far as our reaction, not feeling anything is a built in defense mechanism. Life tends to break that of us given enough time. As we part with those really near our heart that defense gets broken down.
Thank God that we never loose anything that we trust into His hands and all we love in Christ will certainly be reunited.

 

[Diamondlight]

Boanerges is absolutely spot on, it's perfectly normal tirapet. I'm so sorry about your aunt. What you did for your mum was what i would have done too, just hugged her.

She will need many more hugs from you no doubt. How lovely you are there for her in this way.

If we are fortunate enough to have a mum who is there for us then, like your example, we can be there for them too.