Would you tell them?

So sorry to hear that :(.
I would definately tell my parents. My gran was taken into hospital while me and my mum were in the US and my dad and grandad between them decided not to tell us at first (it was her mum). My mum went mad when she finally found out, because if she wanted to come home the decision had been taken out of her hands.
I realise they can't see him now, but they may want to be around and help with all the arrangements, and it should be their decision if they come back.
 
my nan died the week me and mum went to see my sister in america
its hard but I think that as long as someone can deal with the details that need doing (so your' rents don't have to deal with it) that may help.
 
Haven't read the entire thread, nor all the replies, but from someone who has lost both parents and all four grandparents, let me first say I am so sorry for your loss.

Secondly, not telling your parents would indeed let them have thier holiday. But when they get back and discover the news, the holiday will instantly become meaningless and possibly a source of self-hatred (how can I have been enjoying myself on holiday at a time like this?).

Trust me, tell them.



Oh, and from one military man to another : Salute to grandpa
 
Thank you all for your comments and kind thoughts :)

I'm going to discuss it with my uncle and we'll go from there.
 
Gilly said:
Scenario:

Your grandfather has been ill a long time, your grandmother died about 1.5 years ago. Your grandfather is in hospital on the stroke ward having had multiple strokes and a heart attack some weeks back.

Your parents go away on the 3rd of July.

Your grandfather dies on the 3rd of July.

I think I already know the answer. I just need to get it clear in my head.

I wish he'd been well enough to see my brother get married. I believe he may even be the last of his regiment (brigade? whatever) of Desert Rats.

RIP Grandad.
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I'm sorry to hear of this. The exact same thing happened while I was on holiday with my parents when I was younger and my older brother was faced with this.

He chose not to phone us, given that we were in USA at the time and there was little we could have done.

If you phone the airline and explain your position, there is a good chance that they will arrange a private room and an escort off the plane for your parents so that you can have a more suitable environment to break the news.

It wasn't the best thing in the world, but unless there is a specific reason why your parents might be needed back in the UK in an emergency (I assume its a foreign holiday) then I think waiting to tell them could be a viable option.

However, if they ask it is a different matter...
 
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Horrible situation, very sorry to hear.

I would definitely tell them, they might enjoy the holiday in the short run but they wouldn't be able to look back on it as happy memories, and would probably feel kinda cheated if they didn't know.
 
Sorry to hear that Mat :( Not a nice situation for anyone to be in. For me, I'd be a bit torn too. If they were expecting it and maybe the funeral was after they returned then I might leave it (unless they called me - it would be obvious then because I'm a crap liar), but if it was pretty much unexpected, I would have no option but to tell them. If your Grandmother was still around, I'd have to tell them straight away so they could come home and support her. It's a tough one. Hope you and your uncle come to the right decision.

I think if I was your folks I'd want to be told though.

Whilst I was at Uni, my brother had quite a bad accident. Some falling wood sliced his face open to the bone and nearly blinded him in one eye. He had a lot of stitches, but he was OK. My parents didn't tell me. I came home to see my brother all bruised with a huge cut all the way up his face and stitches. It's looked horiffic. I was so upset that they hadn't told me. They said they hadn't because they didn't want to worry me, but I would have still rather known ("your brother has been in an accident but he's OK") than come home to that. Not the same situation at all, but I just felt completely shut out at the time.
 
Sorry to hear that Gilly.

If I was in your position I would tell them. I really don't think they would appreciate not knowing.....

Take care anyway.

P.S. Desert Rats were 7th Armoured Division.
 
Oh I'm sorry to hear that Mat :( You have my deepest condolences. I lost a grandparent whilst the whole family was away - there was nothing we could do about it, she died alone pretty much :(

I think I'd tell them - did they know it was coming? Did they realise how bad he was? Getting back from Cuba early might not be that easy - but it'll be impossible for them to enjoy that part of the world with that news - however as Mickey_D said, they'll soon forget about the good times of that holiday when they get back and find out.. Unfortunately I think you might have to tell them - they can always go away on holiday again, but this is a big thing to have happened.

You have my thoughts.

RIP
 
Personally, I'd tell my parrents, but I can see the reasons why you would not want to. I think to make a decision like this, you have to really know the people involved so I can only really comment from the perspective of what I would do if it were my family.

One point though is will arrangements not progress a bit far by the time they get back from holiday? I think it's important that they are involved in any decision making regarding the funeral.

Very sorry for your loss :(
 
Sorry to hear that mate, sad news :(

Regarding the question, I'm pretty sure I'd tell them as soon as possible, I think my parents would want to know and make their own decision on whether they stay on holiday or to come home. From what it sounds like he was in a bad way so it may have been half expected although that doesn't make it any easier.
 
Sorry to hear that Gilly.

I would definately tell them dispite the date of the funeral. They can take another holiday at another time. They can't sort out your grandads funeral again.
 
Really sorry to hear this Mat, hope you're doing ok and can come to a decision as to whether to tell your parents or not. Personally, I would, as I know my parents would want to know, but only you know if this is the case with yours.

If you need anyone to cover your nightshifts, let me know fella.

Rest In Peace Mats Grandad :(
 
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