Have you ever needed to tell someone really bad news, and you just can't manage to get the right words out?

@MarieCoyle (58172)
May 16, 2026 8:19pm CST
That would be me, today. Well, actually, I knew this was coming but didn't want to tell my son. He really doesn't need any more bad news in his life...but here we are, and tonight's the night. The ex's parents live in Florida--they moved there from Illinois about 5 years ago, to be near 2 of their sons, one of who is my ex. Yes, they are my ex-in-laws...but they have been part of my life even longer than my parents were, they love me and my children, and I can't imagine not caring about them. Grandpa is now 95, and Grandma is 93. They both have some bad health issues that have been addressed and fixed as much as their frail health can take. Grandma is in a wheelchair full time and has a portable oxygen tank, Grandpa isn't but he should be--he has a cane and can't navigate well, and his balance is pretty much gone. They live in a safe place not far from the ex, and he is there with them daily as well as there is always a full-time caregiver, so they do not lack for care. They are both extremely frail at this point. Grandpa has been in the hospital--he had a quadruple bypass years ago, but his heart is failing. He was sent home yesterday and is at the ex's home, next week Hospice is coming to help care for them. My son cannot make the trip there, and neither can I. I haven't told him yet about the Hospice, and that his Grandpa is in very bad shape. I told my ex I would tell him by late tonight or tomorrow morning, but I am going to try to do it this evening. I haven't been able to rest hardly at all, and I need to tell him. I just know he is going to be so, so sad. His grandparents have always been a big part of his life. When Grandpa passes, it won't be long at all that Grandma follows. They have been married 75 years. They basically live for each other and no matter what, Grandma will be so lost without him. They have had a good life together, there's no question about that, had 5 sons and lost one, and have many grandchildren and great grandchildren. I am being a huge chicken about this and that's really not like me. I just hate telling my son bad news right now, he has been trying so hard for wellness and has struggled so much. But he's a grown man, I know he will be OK, it will just make him really sad. Go ahead, tell me I'm a chicken, 'cause I know I am. Ugh.
9 people like this
9 responses
@NJChicaa (127023)
• United States
2h
I'm sorry to hear that he is failing. I hope that his transition is as peaceful as possible. It will be difficult for your son to hear but unfortunately these are the facts of life.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (58172)
2h
There are only 3 grandsons on that side, my son being the oldest one, and we lived close to the grandparents. The other two live on the west coast, so they weren't as close to the grandparents as my own children were. And yes, it's just part of life...I think with this son, I have worked so hard to help him get well that I hate the thought of him being in a big slump, but he will be and I am going to tell him after while. I have to. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (58172)
1h
@NJChicaa You are so right. It’s not easy and it really does suck.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (68978)
• Centralia, Washington
1h
My heart is with you. Even though they've had a very long life, it is always hard to say goodbye.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (58172)
1h
It truly is hard. Even though loss is part of life, it’s still a loss and the goodbyes are still difficult.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (207553)
• United States
2h
I don't think anybody really likes being the bearer of bad tidings, but it may not be as bad as you think.At their ages, I am sure he realizes it is just a matter of time. It's unpleasant to discuss, but dying is a part of life really, and they will live on thru your memories.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (58172)
2h
I have mentioned several times lately that Grandpa was not doing well, and I did tell the son he was in the hospital. I guess I was just sort of paving the way. Hopefully he won't let it get him down too much. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@rakski (154301)
• Philippines
Just now
I am so sorry that you have to be the bearer of the bad news to your son. I hope you find the peace in telling the news, may you have the strength so you can extend your strength to your son. hugs to you and your son
@Deepizzaguy (121277)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
37m
Discretion is the better part of valor in this occasion.
@Soobinah (253)
2h
sorry to hear that, but i think your son needs to know the truth. He needs to know that for him to bid his final good bye to his granny. so i think its the best for you to tell him. so that you wont regret in the future when he find out the truth.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (58172)
1h
Of course I am telling him...and it's his grandfather. He knows they don't have long, I just haven't known until this week how bad it really was. Our family has lost so many dear ones, it's just never easy.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169074)
• United States
1h
Such big hugs for you as that is hard news to break. You have so much on your plate.
@rebelann (117076)
• El Paso, Texas
1h
I'm so sorry it's on you to bare that kind of sad news, and NO you're not chicken, you're simply a very caring mom trying to ease the kind of sadness news like this will bring
@FourWalls (85955)
• United States
48m
I’d never ever call you chicken. Sometimes it’s necessary to withhold bad news for the emotional sake of the individual, and trying to determine how to do that is not chicken, it’s very brave…not to mention considerate.