When someone is terminal and you go to visit them for the last time before they pass, what should you say to them?

1. It's not time for confessions, it's time to remind them of all the good times you had together, the things they did to make you smile and above all, let them know that you'll never forget those things as long as you life. A person is never truly dead until they are forgotten!
   — MadLintElf


2. Anything that you could later come to regret not telling them - as in, how much you care for or appreciate them. The ways in which they (positively) affected your life. That you love them and were grateful to have had this time with them. Just be genuine and don't hide from your feelings, even if they are hard to express. If the mood is right, it may also be a good time to ask if there's anything they'd like you to take care of after they're gone, or share what you are planning on doing to commemorate them (to see if they like the idea). I recently told my aunt (who is currently well but has had several bouts with cancer) that after she passes I was planning on donating for a park bench in her honor and it made her really happy. *Edit: their -> they're*
   — bardofthemountain


3. When I was 19 years old a grandmother passed on. Was able to visit the day before she died and tried to say all the things that ought to be said before the end. Damn, that was wrong. She was too weak to speak but she broke into tears. The reaction in her face was, *oh shit this time must be it--I'm really going--and I'm terrified.* And the more effort I made to get it right the sadder she got. Will never get that day back to do it better. Lost my father at 31. With him things that needed to be said spaced out in bits and pieces during chats after dinner. Wasn't so in-your-face obvious that way. The moment his heart stopped I was holding his hand and reading the news. There were big things I hadn't gotten to, but one of our final conversations was him teasing me over how much he loved ketchup because he knew I hated it. He passed peacefully. [Edited for wording. Sorry, kinda broke up while writing this].
   — doublestitch






4. I was an ecclesiastical leader for several years. I have visited many people on their death bed. Honestly, your presence and a reminder that you care about them is more important than individual words
   — jmarsh642


5. My grandmother died recently, and my last visit with her - knowing that it was likely the last time with her - was a lot of me kneeling at her bedside and holding her hand and telling her how much I'll miss her and how much I loved her. Before she slipped that far down, we had a moment where I did pretty much the same thing and she said the same to me. Do what you can, but the best thing you can do is be there and be honest with them and tell them how much you care.
   — citizenpuppet


6. A few years ago when my grandpa was on his deathbed, I flew home from overseas to say goodbye and thought of what I would regret not asking him. So after I got through my initial tears, I asked him if he had any advice for me. "No matter what happens to you in life, don't ever be afraid to get back on the horse." More was said after about how I should stop being dumb and marry my now wife and a few other things, but I'm always grateful I manned up and asked him that. So now when I'm in a situation that's easy to quit and throw in the towel, I remember to pick myself up and get back on the horse. Miss you gramps.
   — ka24detsx






7. Telling them, and genuinely remembering them. For the most part that's one of the largest goals that every person has, whether they realize it or not. It's also one of the reasons that it's so scary to die, the fear of being forgotten, one of the masses.
   — PM_For_A_Friendship


8. Just tell them how much you love them :)
   — stamp_of_approval


9. I appreciate the feedback. I have to visit a close relative of mine tonight and I think it very well could be the last time I see them. I just wasn't sure about what to say and what could make them feel worse about the situation.
   — Skipadipbopwop






10. I remember the last thing I ever said to my grandpa (who had dementia and so I couldn't really communicate with him) before he passed a couple weeks later was that I simply loved him, and boy did he have the biggest smile ever! Albeit a sad memory, there's also a tremendous amount of joy in that memory.
    — ChristopherNotChris


11. I gave my aunt a hug and kissed her on her forehead. She laughed and smiled because it was the first time I kissed her since I was probably about five or six years old. I'm in my late twenties now Edit: just realized today makes it a year since she's passed away
    — WhiteMessyKen