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[quote=Anonymous]Your kids are old enough for you to be honest with them about what's going to happen to their grandpa.  You don't want to compound the situation by not telling them in case this is the very last time they will see him.  Explain to them what the circumstances will be - he'll be in a hospital bed/his own bed/wheelchair/etc, there will be oxygen/tubes/etc hooked up to him, he won't be able to talk much, he will look tired, etc.

Prep them with ideas for conversation and be prepared to lead if necessary.  It might be nice if they think of a good memory with grandpa and share it with him when they see him - if it's not too much for them or grandpa.  Plan for the visit to be short and take the kids' lead on whether they want to stay longer or leave earlier.

Lastly, even if you aren't religious, it's a good time to talk with your kids about what you believe as a family - or even just to discuss the fact that there are lots of beliefs about what happens to people when they die.  They might be looking for reassurance or explanations as a way to bring them comfort. Even something as simple as "Grandpa will always be with you in your heart" can be helpful.  [/quote]

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