Hello,

I don't know what else to do with myself right now and I need some guidance.

Joe's daughter,my sister in law Patti has been battling systemic lupus for 14 years.She has been hospitalized for the last 9 weeks.This hasn't been uncommon for her because of the degree of her illness.We received a call from the priest at the hospital early this morning that he had to give her the last rites because they couldn't get a blood pressure reading on her.Joe and my husband are at her beside now.They don't expect her to live the day.Although we were well aware that she was terminal,she wasn't anywhere near this.I'm at a loss to try to help Joe deal with this.

We've been so caught up dealing with his cancer and his horrible diagnosis that she has sort of taken a back seat in the last few months.He expressed to us his deep feelings of guilt this morning.How can I help him deal with all of this?Has anyone been through a similar situation?I feel guilty just being on the computer while they are sitting at her death bed,but there is isn't anyone to watch my children.Also,she has a 14 year old son,What can we do to help him??She has been ill since he can remember and he is aware of what would have eventually happened to her,but this came out of the blue.I thought they should have taken him to the hospital to say goodbye to her,but my mother in law who, has been caring for him deceided not to do it.She doesn't want him to watch her die.I think he's going to be very angry.

Can anyone give me insight??Thank you all again for listening to me ramble.I just don't what else to do.


Patty