My grandfather is 82 years old, and for 77 of his 82 years, he was perfectly healthy, save for a slightly high blood pressure. The last five years however, have been hell on him, mentally. He’s come down with tuberculosis, kidney issues, balance issues, muscle degeneration, and he’s barely able to walk. Oh, and his teeth are mostly gone.

It’s about half past 2 in the morning now, and we’ve just cleaned up after he puked for the third time tonight. He’s had fainting spells from low blood pressure multiple times in the last 10 days. About a week ago, he pulled my dad in and just said “my days are numbered.” I honestly think he’s given up on living, just because of all the health issues in the last five years that have affected him (most of which he’s recovered from, I should add).

I should clarify, the man’s never been a fatalist, he’s actually been one of the most upbeat people I’ve ever known. But this last week has been very clearly scaring my dad and I’m not sure how to help him cope with the fear of losing his father. I suppose it’s a small comfort to him that he’s able to have granddad here with us in Singapore. I understand the fear, I experience it everytime either one of my parents falls ill, because I’ve been living on the other side of the planet for the last five years.

Apologies for the disjointed writing, it’s just really late, but I had to get this out of my head.

TLDR I think granddad has given up on life because of health issues, and idk how to help my dad cope with the fear of losing his father