Is it right for parents to protect their children from those who are dying?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Is it right for parents to protect their children from those who are dying? My husband and I are caring for his parents in our home. They are both quite sickly and we have a lot of help – nurses and caregivers that give us tremendous support. They tell us that we should keep our children out of their room so that they don’t have a sense of pending doom. I’m not sure this is right. After all, death is part of life and our children have a special bond with their grandparents. Is there any value in their participation in helping and also watching the process, particularly when our children know that after death comes Heaven? – P.D.
A: A teenage daughter reflected on watching her grandfather die at home. She said with tears in her eyes, “I’ll never forget the loving care Papa received from my grandmother. It taught me to care for the sick and dying. More than that, it taught me about living bravely in the midst of difficulties.”
There is much the young can learn from those who have traveled the distance. Until recent years, families did not shelter their children from the process of sickness and death. Likewise, the elderly would be wise to consider the contribution the young make to our own lives. They will see our mistakes, and they will see our triumphs. We will hopefully recognize their struggles and accomplishments and encourage them as they learn about life and face the unknown future.
The Bible says to everything there is a season, and a time to gain and a time to lose (see Ecclesiastes 3).
Let’s not miss the purposes of God even in times of sorrow, for He is always with us on our journey.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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