Can you guys help me think straight?

[y4m]

My grandfather is in hospice and seems like he will let go in the next hours or days.

He is at his home about 3 hours from my company's office, where I am supposed to be in our big quarterly meeting all week. I flew out early and have been here with him since Saturday.

On one hand, I don't know when this will actually happen, my company flew me out here, and I have a huge meeting on Friday I need this time with my colleagues to prepare for. On the other hand, he's dying. Can I really just leave him and my mom and go to a company meeting?

What would you do?

[doobeedoo]

I agree with MX. Plus, hospice nurses are trained to know the signs of imminent death (as in the next 24 hours). It's not a perfect science, as I understand it--some people pass away much quicker than anticipated, some linger on), but he/she should be able to guide you.

And I am sorry about your grandfather.

[MixedBerryJam]

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. If I understand correctly, if you weren't out there for your company you'd have had to fly there to see your grandfather (I'm trying to ask if you're physically closer to him now than you would have been if you were at home, but not very articulately). Can you take a day or so to see your grandfather, maybe drive up today, stay over night, then drive back to the office tomorrow? Then you'd have Tu/Wed/Th to prepare for Friday's meeting? A 3-hour drive, while long for a one-day round trip, won't be terrible if you have a night at the destination. Can you Skype with your coworkers if they need-need-need you before tomorrow afternoon? I hope you can work something out so you can see your grandfather and prepare for your Friday meeting.

[gardengal]

I would contact your company. Worst case, you could reimburse them for the plane ticket.

I would give anything to see my grandpa one more time (he died suddenly when I was away at college).

[raangoli]

I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this. It's a tough spot to be in, but I am sure if you explained to your boss/colleagues what the situation is, they would be understanding. I've had to do similar earlier this year when my father was in the ICU for a week and my boss was very understanding.

I'd make whatever effort you can to prepare for your meeting while you can and be accessible as much as possible if you choose to stay with your mom and grandfather.

[krystee]

I think I would go for the next 24 hours. Even if he doesn't pass during that time, you get to say your goodbyes and be there for your mom. Then you still have Wednesday and Thursday to prepare for the meeting and Friday to actually be at the meeting, assuming services are not held during that time.

I tend to believe that five years from now, you won't even remember this meeting, but you'll remember the time with your family.

ETA: Sending lots of hugs and good thoughts your way. It is hard to lose a grandparent.

[rikki]

I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I would definitely try to go and spend time with him ASAP. I flew out to see my grandfather 2 days after returning to work from a 2 week vacation. I am sure that my employer was not happy, but it meant the world to be with him before he passed. He was still a bit alert when I was there and we got to have some conversations I will remember forever. Work will always be there and I can only hope they would be understanding.

[vanillacourage]

Sorry you're in this situation. 

I would go out there now for about a day, then come back and attend the meetings (especially Friday's). 

[sa]

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I'd at least talk to your boss and just see if you can work something out.

[womet]

I agree with @mx. I am so sorry about your grandfather. {{{hugs}}}

[aspentosh]

I'm so sorry and totally agree with mx. It's about your comfort level. I would definitely want to see him again but I, personally, wouldn't feel the need to be there when he passes so I'd go and see him again. But it's really about what you want.

Hugs.

[thatgirl2478]

I would go see your grandfather.

When my MIL was sick and in the hospital, we got a call from my FIL saying that she wasn't doing well and that we should come. When we got there she had rallied enough to be up beat and 'normal' for her son. We had a nice visit, but she passed away about a week later. I am so so so grateful that we went to spend time with her while we could.

I'm sorry this is happening to you and your family.

[Deleted]

Hugs.

I would also visit your grandfather.

[y4m]

Thanks guys. I've had 36 really quality hours with him here, and I think I'm more needed in the aftermath of his passing than the actual event. So I'll head to work, try to crank stuff out, so the later part of the week is more open.

Thanks for all the support.

[ijack]

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this, but I'm glad you got some really good time with him this weekend.