Dying relative - what to say to colleagues

Jimi H

Hi all,

My Dad has advanced dementia. He was given last rites earlier and the doc said it's likely that he'll pass away today or tomorrow.

This may sound trivial but I can't think properly and I'm a little all over the place. I have a normal office job and I know how to handle that. I also run a small business and have a few deliveries that I won't now be making over the weekend now. Do I simply say that my Dad is gravely ill and I'll unfortunately be unable to make the deliveries? I don't really know the staff in these stores and the emails are going to generic email addresses so I'm not sure if I should go into much detail.

Thanks for reading

endacl

Sorry for your troubles.

Just tell them that. They’ll understand.

Larbre34

You are under no obligation to go into that detail. "due to family circumstances" is fine and include that you will further update them as soon as you are able to. Everyone encounters these times in their life at some point and you'll find your customers very understanding.

By the way I'm sorry for your impending loss, I've been where you are. Take care of yourself.

Big Bag of Chips

I agree, for now you can keep it simple. "Due to personal circumstances...".

Is there anyone you can ask to cover for you in the small business for a few days?

Or if you can set up an auto reply on your email and a voicemail on your phone and then turn everything off for a few days.

People will understand. As mentioned above, we are all going to experience this at various times in our lives.

Take care of yourself over the next while. Anything outstanding can wait a few days/weeks.

Rubberchikken

'ndue to personal circumstances;' will do. People won't mind in such circumstances.

My deepest sympathy and take care of yourself.