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Feeling responsible for the death of my own family members, how can I atone for my sins?

caregiving cerebral infarction frustration family dynamics loss
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Feeling responsible for the death of my own family members, how can I atone for my sins? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

My mother cares for my father and grandfather who suffered from a cerebral infarction alone, while also managing my brother's school life. Grandpa has a salary, but Mom is extremely frustrated. I try to help with cooking and other tasks. It's been four years, and I'm at my wit's end. I dislike Grandpa constantly seeking me out. Mom is on the brink of collapse, complaining that Grandpa isn't eating properly and no one is looking after him. She curses in the group chat. I argue with Mom, hoping she'll seek help from my uncle. She should stop cursing; it's not productive. In that moment, I indirectly disliked both Grandpa and Dad. When cooking at home, I used leftover food to feed Grandpa and Dad. One moment of thoughtlessness, and I didn't know if it was the cause when I wasn't home the next day. On the third day, my aunt visited Grandpa, and I returned home, only to find Dad in a bad mood, neglecting the fact that Grandpa hadn't eaten all day. On the fourth morning, Grandpa called my uncle at 4 am saying he was cold. My uncle sent Dad to check on him. Mom said Grandpa seemed unable to move. My uncle's wife came over on Friday and suggested taking Grandpa to the hospital on Monday. But by noon, after Mom got off work, Grandpa had passed away at 82. My uncle and his family returned to arrange the funeral, saying Grandpa had a good life, but I know I'm in pain. I killed my grandfather; I was possessed and unkind to him during those days. Now, I can't die, not with Mom and Dad still alive. I'm the cause; what should I do? I am in so much pain.

Charlotte Reed Charlotte Reed A total of 2065 people have been helped

Following the demise of a cherished individual, the next of kin, imbued with a profound sense of responsibility and morality, may experience feelings of self-reproach. They may perceive themselves as the primary culprit. However, the fundamental cause of birth, aging, illness, and death is a natural law that is not susceptible to influence by contemporary technology or human factors.

One might perceive oneself as having caused the demise of a loved one, yet there is no clear indication that one is culpable. The absence of caregiving is a contributing factor, yet it is not the sole determinant. The responsibilities of parenting and work often supersede the need to provide care for a sick family member. The transition to old age is not necessarily accompanied by a reduction in responsibilities. Each individual has their own obligations and priorities.

Additionally, your father is preoccupied with his own health concerns, while your mother is simultaneously managing the care of your father, who has suffered a stroke, and your grandfather. Furthermore, she is also responsible for the education and employment of your younger brother, which is a significant undertaking in itself. It appears that the rest of the family is similarly occupied, which may contribute to a sense of isolation and helplessness within you.

Despite the remuneration provided to your grandfather, the care of the elderly necessitates a considerable degree of patience. Consequently, a significant proportion of middle-aged individuals elect to place their elderly grandparents in nursing homes. Additionally, your family members were preoccupied with their own affairs and failed to recognise the unusual circumstances surrounding your grandfather's failure to eat for a day, which also constituted a source of considerable frustration.

The fast pace of modern life often leads to a lack of awareness of one's surroundings, including the people in them. Some individuals simply move on, and their absence is not noticed. The passing of an elderly person can be a significant loss, even if it is expected. Neglecting to care for an elderly relative is a common occurrence, and it is something that can affect anyone. In the future, it is essential to prioritize unity and support in order to make up for this shortcoming.

Please clarify the question.

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Christian Christian A total of 1753 people have been helped

Hello!

You've had a hard time!

Having a sick person in the family makes life harder for everyone. You and your mother have had a hard time recently. Hugs again!

I understand how you feel. You are torn between why you were bad to your grandfather. Things are hard to explain. We are emotional beings. We act within the scope of our understanding. You are young. You are also going through puberty. You have high expectations of yourself.

Since Grandpa has passed away, we know that "pain makes one reflect on the past" is true. It's painful! You've linked Grandpa's trend with the food you cook. It shouldn't matter if there are leftovers.

This is normal! You're not being mean to your father or grandfather by not treating them well.

If the last meal wasn't finished, you can heat up the leftovers and ask them to eat. My mother was bedridden for 12+ years. I feel like the meal I gave her was reheated and eaten again and again. Sometimes it couldn't be finished in one day, and she was still allowed to eat it the next day.

The death of my grandfather can't be limited to the fact that you cooked for him. We are young people, and we should look at this scientifically. You had a very deep relationship with him. With such a deep relationship, it's easy to blame yourself for his death.

Grandpa must have been ill for many years. At 82, he lived a long life. As children, we often feel sorry for the elderly when they die.

Maybe the elderly wouldn't die so soon. We should believe that life and death are in fate's hands.

The old saying is that it's okay how a person walks. You've done your best to treat your grandfather well. He has his own son and daughter, so if you fail, it's their business too. You've done a good job. Four years is really not easy.

I had a thought: Is it fate that you've been in a bad mood and let Grandpa leave at this moment? Is it fate that you're feeling this way and asking for help? Is Grandpa connecting with you?

Grandpa is helping you grow by letting you go through tough times. People only grow when they're in pain and struggling.

You came here for help with your pain, which shows you're starting to improve. I can see you're growing. I can't die, I still have my mom and dad. Show them filial piety! Dad is still recovering from a stroke. You're impatient and neglectful, which isn't good. They're your only parents.

You're not your grandfather's grandchild.

I wonder if heaven is teaching you a lesson. It's not your fault your parents didn't suffer this tragedy, but you're still responsible.

If this really happened to mom and dad, the cause would be much greater. Thinking about it this way, this situation should be a blessing. Through this incident, we can learn from our mistakes.

If we think about it, we should be grateful to our grandfather for making us think about how we should act in the future. If we think about it in a different way, his death was natural and not painful. Many people say that it is better to die at home without being intubated. Qiong Yao wrote a will like this, and Luo Xiaoping remembers it. Our ideas are also changing.

I don't know if you'll feel better or be able to forgive yourself. These ideas are in our minds, so it depends on how we think about them.

You can't persuade someone with words. I hope you can come here and change your mind. Then, face reality and make your family's life better.

Dad, your mom needs you now. You need each other, and your little family needs you. I think your grandfather in heaven would also like you to live a good life. Write down what you're thinking, then put it away. Let it go, and get ready for the future.

I wish your parents are taken care of and your family becomes happier!

Believe in yourself! The world and I love you!

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Jesus Jesus A total of 1567 people have been helped

I am grateful for the opportunity to respond to your inquiry.

The incident and the related emotions described by the host will inevitably result in a significant psychological burden, regardless of the individual's circumstances. This often leads to increased anxiety, self-blame, and self-attack. Consequently, even if the death of a loved one is not directly related, it is also relatively simple to assume "full responsibility" due to such thoughts and emotions, which can easily result in anger and harm to one's life, and even prompt actions to reduce the sense of guilt and culpability. However, such harm is often disproportionate to the facts and frequently occurs in the early stages of bereavement. Therefore, it is essential for the host to recognize this early on.

Similarly, the sentencing of inner emotions is not a static phenomenon. It is influenced by a multitude of factors, including the family environment, the influence of family values, personal interpretation and acceptance, and constant adjustment in the social environment. Consequently, it is difficult to ascertain the specific nuances of this aspect of the original poster's personality, given the complex interplay of factors that shape emotional responses.

In conclusion, the emotional and psychological impact of bereavement can be significant and complex, and it is important to recognize that there is no standard for how we should process our inner emotions. Individual factors, such as personality, family values, and

It is therefore recommended that the host seeks assistance at the earliest opportunity should he feel that his emotions are overwhelming and that he may be prone to impulsive thoughts and behaviours. It is important not to be unduly self-critical as a result of bereavement and the complex emotions that accompany it, as this is unfair to oneself, one's loved ones and even the deceased.

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Kimberly Kimberly A total of 1444 people have been helped

Hello! I just wanted to give you a warm hug from afar.

I can see how you might be feeling a lot of self-blame, guilt, and pain in your heart because of your grandfather's sudden departure.

I can see that your family members are trying to accept Grandpa's departure, but I also sense that you feel they are blaming you for his sudden passing. This is a very common reaction when someone we love dies. When we lose someone, it can cause us to have different views of ourselves and others. We might avoid thinking about the pain caused by the loss by blaming ourselves for not doing enough.

It's so important to believe that everyone is doing their best in every moment. I can understand why you feel that you were not particularly friendly to your grandfather in the last few days before he passed away. It's natural to look at things from a distance and see things differently. If you were in that moment, you might have seen that it was the best you could do.

You care about your mother and feel that she is tired, so you hope that your father and grandfather can also give her a share of their understanding and support, rather than causing her as much trouble as possible. You just haven't found a better way to express your feelings to your grandfather and father, so you choose to express your dissatisfaction with them in a somewhat unfriendly manner, hoping that they will reflect on it on their own initiative.

So, let's try to see the needs behind our actions. That way, we can be more accepting and understanding of our words and actions at that moment. We're motivated by love for our mother and a desire for our family to be more harmonious. We're not driven by hurt towards our grandfather, right?

It can be really helpful to record your emotional feelings over time in writing in an emotional diary. This can help you to see, express and release your emotions. It can also help you to explore and perceive the needs hidden behind your emotions. These might include a desire to be understood, supported and forgiven. Once you've done this, you can try to give yourself these needs for satisfaction and response. You can also try to tell your family your true feelings. This can help you to gain their emotional support.

Hi, I'm Lily, the little ear of the Q&A Museum. I just wanted to say that I love you all, the world and I love you!

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Uriahne James Uriahne James A total of 4101 people have been helped

I have carefully read about your experiences and reflected on them. You have not caused harm to others. You have endeavored to provide assistance, and even your own life has become disordered. If this is considered harmful behavior, then every individual in the world is ultimately culpable (̄┰ ̄*). Based on your account, it appears that neither of your parents has provided you with the same level of care and attention that you have extended to them. It is often said that parents serve as role models for their children. If even parents are unable to care for their own parents, what justification is there for self-blame? Your life is yours to live. You were not born to serve as caregivers for others. Regardless of the outcome, you have already exerted your best efforts. It is unproductive to dwell on the idea of what could have been done differently. If you genuinely believe you can do better, you might consider articulating this aspiration and waiting until your parents require your care as well. This way, you can address your previous regrets. You are aware that your parents will require your care at some point in the future. Therefore, you should retain this regret or aspiration in your heart and move on from this incident.

It is imperative to identify the ideal life that resides within your heart and to pursue it assiduously. It is crucial to think for oneself, as others may attempt to assume control of one's destiny.

It is imperative to relinquish concerns and embrace the present moment. It is crucial to avoid perpetuating a pattern of dwelling on past experiences and allowing them to impede future possibilities. Instead, it is essential to pursue a life of fulfillment. Life is a continuous journey, and it is unfortunate to allow it to be diminished by the weight of past disappointments. It is vital to recognize that the spectrum of human experience encompasses both joy and sorrow. However, it is imperative not to fixate on these dualities to the exclusion of other aspects of life. After reading this, it is my hope that you will be able to think clearly, let go of your concerns, and embrace an open-minded approach to life. You should strive to pursue your ideal state with vigor and determination.

Should you wish to continue the discussion, you are invited to reply to this message or send a private one. I will do my utmost to assist you in extricating yourself from this challenging situation.

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Comments

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Kit Anderson The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know.

I can't imagine how heavy this must feel on your heart. It's important to remember that everyone in the family is doing their best under incredibly difficult circumstances. Guilt is a powerful emotion, but you're not responsible for what happened. We all make mistakes, and it's okay to have felt frustrated or angry at times. Your grandfather's passing was not your fault.

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Nicole Grant Life is a tapestry of love and loss.

It's heartbreaking to lose someone close, especially when there's a lot of unresolved feelings. You're carrying a lot of pain, and it's understandable that you're feeling this way. But please don't blame yourself. Family dynamics are complex, and sometimes we say or do things we regret. What matters now is how you move forward and honor his memory.

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Zane Thomas Life is a mosaic of pleasures and pains.

You're not alone in this. Your mom and dad need you too, and they're likely grieving as well. Maybe talking to them about how you're feeling could help. Sometimes sharing the burden with others can lighten the load. It's okay to seek support from friends or a counselor if you feel overwhelmed.

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Chauncey Thomas Teachers are the puzzle - solvers who help students piece together the jigsaw of knowledge.

The guilt you're feeling is a sign that you care deeply. But holding onto it won't change anything. Instead, focus on the good moments you shared with your grandfather. Think about the love and kindness he showed you, and let those memories comfort you. It's part of the healing process.

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Phyllis Thomas Life is a cycle of giving and receiving.

It's natural to feel like you should have done more, but you were only human. Everyone has limits, and it's okay to ask for help when you need it. Your mom is also under a lot of stress, and maybe she needs someone to lean on too. Try to be gentle with yourself and each other during this time.

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