His happened in our family. Dad was very sick at Thanksigvng and got the final news on Christmas Eve. He didn't even want to come to Christmas but my mom made him. It was very sad, but also some normal parts. Yes, send a gift, maybe something that will keep him more comfortable. Heating blanket? Positioning pillows, warm socks, etc. I'd send the family food too.

This is so sad. Can you ask your SIL for guidance? You've already gotten some great ideas above but maybe she knows a way you can help. Meals delivered, babysitting so she can go home, a shoulder to lean on, an experience gift...

I went through something very similar.

For me, it was the kindness of my friends and family after. I remembering visiting my inlaws just 3 months after his passing. I was a shell of myself but they never made me feel that way.

So whatever you can do to make her feel loved, just do that.

That's awful.

Depending on how he's feeling, could you send them an experience gift that they could do with him so they can make a memory with him?

Do they have kids? Can you watch the kids so she can spend time with her father? Help out with travel logistics/ donate miles if needed?

That her father only has a very short time before he passes to cancer. We just found out and they think 4 months tops. Christmas is approaching and I'm wondering if I should send a gift to their family but what? It's all so sad. I know their Christmas will be terrible.