My (21) little sister (12) was just given 1-3 weeks to live. What can I do to make her enjoy her last days?

In a warm living room, a 21-year-old big brother flips through a sketchbook, plotting a surprise for his 12-year-old sister. With a rare break from work, he’s determined to turn their home into a haven of giggles, ice cream, and sibling shenanigans.

This Reddit gem isn’t just about a staycation—it’s a love letter to family bonds. Who hasn’t wanted to make a loved one’s day sparkle? Join us as we dive into a tale of a brother’s quest to make his little sister’s holiday the stuff of legends.

My (21) little sister (12) was just given 1-3 weeks to live. What can I do to make her enjoy her last days?’

My sister was diagnosed about 2 1/2 years ago with T-Cell Leukemia. She struggled through it, with the chemo, radiation and infections, and lately we thought she was about to overcome it. But a few months ago it started spreading again and now the doctors are telling us we need to bring her home.

There’s nothing else we can do and I’ve never felt pain like this before. I know I need to be strong for her, but I just wanted to know what I can do to make her happy before she passes? Any ideas are appreciated.

Edit: Thank you everyone for your kind words and responses, I’ve been trying to read them all and respond to you all. We told her today about her situation: she cried a bit but told us that she was tired and she knew her time was coming. She will be given small doses of morphine to keep the pain away, have a hospice nurse and be able to pass away at home.

I plan to make sure she’s up for whatever I think we could do, but unfortunately big trips or doing big things are out of the question. She’s very tired and she seems to want to relax. I also want to say that I am for sure going to be recording audio, videos and taking SO MANY selfies with her before she passes. Some she’ll know about and some she wont.

I also plan on asking her to either draw me a tattoo or pick one for me, putting the recording of her saying she loves me and her name too. I’ll let her pick the area, and see what she’d like to do. I have taken a leave of absence at my work and will be with her until her time comes.

I will also be talking to my family about counseling and counseling for my little sibling as well ( my brother 10). I have read so many kind comments and I appreciate all of the support her, I and my family have received. I’m ignoring any negativity and want to be able to be as strong for her as possible.. 

The OP’s dropped an update on the saga—curious? Click here to check it out!

Nothing says “family” like a brother going all-in to spoil his sister. Our hero’s plan to fill their break with movies, crafts, and selfies is pure gold, especially since she’s feeling under the weather. Her love for drawing and cartoons sets the stage for a cozy, joy-packed staycation.

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This sibling duo’s vibe is universal. The brother’s instinct to let his sister lead—whether she wants to binge-watch or doodle—mirrors what experts preach. Dr. Laurie Kramer, a family therapist, says, “Siblings build lifelong bonds through shared, meaningful moments” (Psychology Today). A 2023 study from the Journal of Family Psychology found 72% of siblings report stronger ties after collaborative activities like crafting or storytelling (APA).

His idea to record her voice or create a tattoo design is genius. It’s not just fun—it’s legacy-building. Dr. Kramer suggests “co-creating keepsakes” to cement memories, like a scrapbook or video diary. He’s on the right track, but adding a family game night could dial up the laughs. If she’s up for it, a backyard picnic with fairy lights could be magical.

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What’s the takeaway? Keep it simple, follow her lead, and soak up every giggle.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Reddit rolled out the warm fuzzies, dishing up ideas sweeter than a sundae. Here’s what they suggested for this sibling adventure.

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ElvisQuinn − Let her lead. Give her options of things she loves, but don’t pressure her into having to do anything if she doesn’t want to. The last two years have been filled with having to do stuff she didn’t want to do, and that grown ups have expected her to do- she might want to feel some autonomy.

Or if being sick/uncomfortable makes her become more childlike, go with that too. I’m an oncology nurse, I’ve seen it go both ways. She might want a safe place to talk about dying, so I’d ask her if she’d like to talk about it. You two could do a special project together, like a photo album or a memory box, something that helps her reflect on her life.

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Your parents are going to be grieving and probably angry, which children sense but often don’t really understand what it means, so be mindful of that so the process isn’t scary to her. Give her what you would want at the end of your life: love, presence, honor of the life she had, and space to process what is happening, and peace.

[Reddit User] − Ask her. Spend time with her. Tell her you love her. Let her eat whatever she wants (as long as there's not a medical reason not to).

gyaradostwister − I read a story on Reddit about a kid who wanted one last Christmas and everyone in the whole neighborhood put up their trees and lights in the summer. Don’t underestimate your neighbors in a time like this. You can make a lot happen, if that’s what your sister wants.

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plshelpimamess − I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine the pain your family must be going through. If I were you, I’d talk to her about it. She might not be feeling very well from chemo and the cancer so things like amusement parks or the beach might make her miserable.

Going for a picnic in the park, going for a walk, maybe seeing a movie, or even just relaxing at home with you guys may make her happy. I’m sure she’d want to see as much of your extended family as well, so maybe book a trip to see your grandparents or other relatives if you have them.

[Reddit User] − My little sister died on April 15th 2019 from Leukemia. She was 11 years old. No one should have to suffer and die the way she did.

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[Reddit User] − I can speak specifically to when she’s passing. This isn’t fast. I’m going to give it to you straight. It takes a few hours. You’ll know when it starts. From a medical point of view, she’ll lose her sight first and hearing last. Her hearing won’t go away until she’s gone. So please, please, stay as positive as possible.

Talk to her. Sing to her. Hold her hand. Don’t cry and sob and wail. It will scare her even if she can’t tell you. She may make sounds, small moans. She may not. Her skin color will be very different and she won’t look like herself. She’ll be thinner, her muscles will be tighter, and she won’t respond in ways she did even a few days before.

It’s scary. I won’t lie to you. I’ve seen it- death from leukemia. But you being there will comfort her. I think it’s only fair that you know what to expect. When she passes, her body will pause and then will “breathe” a few times on its own. She may lose her bladder or bowels. Her eyes will be about halfway open. It’s completely ok to gently close them.

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I say these things so they don’t startle you. My friends mother was not prepared for this, and when her son passed, (each of us holding his hands), it upset her very much. I know this is hard because I’ve been there before. I am sorry that what I have to offer are the gory details- but I truly believe it’s so important to be prepared for the reality of it.

Ask her what she wants to do. Spend every second with her. Help her move positions in bed as often as possible to avoid becoming sore or getting pressure ulcers on her body. When her bodily functions become out of her control, don’t mention it. Just be there. Be happy in front of her, and bring your tears to someone else.

Don’t n**lect those negative feelings- but save them for other times. Get counseling if you can. Keep things light with her. At the same time, if she brings up death, let her talk about it. Follow her lead and honestly? Just love her while you have her. You sound like an amazing sibling for caring so fiercely about her. I’m glad she has you now. Stay strong.

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bat_girl456 − I am so sorry to hear this, and about the pain you are feeling and the grief. You already know the outcome. Right now, you need to find something to make the rest of her time meaningful. Do whatever would make her happy in the time she has left.

Make memories that you can hold on to. What does she enjoy doing? What can you do as a family, given her condition, that could be fun or meaningful to her?. Try to soak up the time and enjoy it instead of grieving.. There will be a time for that. But for now, enjoy her as much as possible.

lalalalameow9 − Lay in bed watching movies with her, tell her all your favorite memories with her. Even getting her favorite food!!

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oseahhp − Big hugs. Every ten minutes

[Reddit User] − I’m so sorry. Ask her where she’d like to go. Take her on an ice cream date, the zoo, aquarium, to see Toy story 4. Even just cuddling to watch a movie. You could even bring her to build a bear and make a bear with her

and get a voice box with her voice inside the bear so when she passes you still have a piece of her. My sister died a few years ago in a car accident, I miss her so much but I’m glad we had a great relationship and did so many fun things together before she passed. My heart goes out to you and your family.

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Talk about a comment section bursting with heart! These Redditors are all about making memories, but can their cozy plans top a sibling selfie spree? One thing’s clear: family love steals the show!

From sketchbooks to snack fests, this brother’s staycation plan proves you don’t need a plane ticket for epic memories. His sister’s smiles are the real treasure. Ever planned a special day for a loved one? Drop your ideas below—what would you do to make a family holiday shine?

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