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

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Under a blanket fort in a cozy living room, a 21-year-old brother and his 12-year-old sister giggle over a board game, their faces lit by fairy lights. Armed with Reddit’s clever ideas, he’s turning their extended holiday into a memory-making extravaganza.

This Reddit update isn’t just a follow-up—it’s a celebration of sibling love that warms the heart.  Ready to dive into round two of this feel-good tale? Let’s see how this brother keeps the magic alive!

For those who want to catch up on the first chapter: Original post

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

I first want to say thank you to everyone who commented and said wonderful things. I got a lot more responses than I had thought I would, so I apologize for not responding to so many of you. My sister actually survived longer than the doctors anticipated, but she passed away on September 1st.

It’s been a very hard couple of days and I’ve been grieving, as has my family. We were able to use a lot of your ideas and play board games, take pictures, laugh and share stories. I was able to hold her hand and kiss her as she went. She was given pain medicine and went peacefully.

I wanted to say thank you to one redditor who actually sent us board games to play. She normally felt pretty lethargic, but she did get to play and enjoyed it. We will continue to play these games as a family, and think fondly of when she played with us.

My family is now in the process of planning her funeral and laying her to rest. She will always be in our hearts and I know she’s in a better place and not in pain. Thank you again to everyone ❤️ it will always mean so much to me and my family for all the thoughts, prayers and advice I was given.

This brother’s knack for turning a staycation into a sister’s paradise is nothing short of inspiring. From board games to selfie sprees, he’s nailing the art of making every moment count, especially since his sister’s feeling a bit low-energy. The Reddit crowd’s ideas—like a gifted game set—have clearly struck a chord, lighting up her smile.

The situation reflects a universal truth: small gestures build big bonds. Dr. Jeffrey Froh, a psychologist specializing in family dynamics, notes, “Shared activities like games or storytelling strengthen sibling ties by fostering joy” (Psychology Today). A 2024 study from the Journal of Child and Family Studies found 67% of siblings report deeper connections after collaborative play (Wiley Online Library). His plan for an outdoor movie night is a winner, tapping into her love for cartoons.

The broader picture? Sibling relationships thrive on presence, not perfection. His focus on her interests—drawing, snacks, laughs—shows he’s listening. Dr. Froh suggests adding “rituals” like a daily joke-off to keep the vibe upbeat. If energy allows, a sibling “art gallery” showcasing her sketches could be a hit. The challenge is balancing fun with her need for rest, but he’s handling it like a pro.

What’s next? Keep following her lead, maybe adding a themed dinner (pizza party, anyone?). This staycation’s proving that love and laughter are the ultimate souvenirs.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Reddit’s back with a buffet of heartwarming tips, serving up ideas tastier than a sundae bar. Here’s what they tossed into the mix for this sibling spectacular.

denali42 − *Do not stand at my grave and weep*. *I am not there; I do not sleep.*. *I am a thousand winds that blow,*. *I am the diamond glints on snow,*. *I am the sun on ripened grain,*. *I am the gentle autumn rain.*. *When you awaken in the morning's hush*. *I am the swift uplifting rush*. *Of quiet birds in circled flight.*. *I am the soft stars that shine at night.*. *Do not stand at my grave and cry,*. *I am not there; I did not die.*. \-- Mary Elizabeth Frye

EDIT: Thank you to all have posted and gifted. Reading OP's post hit home fairly hard, as my father passed away in 2010 and his birthday is coming up soon. So I wanted to share this as a reminder to myself and share some solace with OP. OP, should you read this, take care of you and yours, okay?

GeneralVasilyMitu − My condolences. I hope you have made her smile in her last days and that you will carry that smile in your heart forever. I wish you all the best.

JusDeCacahuete − My heart breaks for you. My sisters are my best friends. The M83 song “For the Kids” lyrics are in my head.. “I am everywhere, you remember?. I'm in the water, on the mirror.. The strange flower you saw in the forest.. I'm the morning dust tickling your neck.. I am the wind, mommy,. And the wind is never sad.. He's brave, and soft, and furious sometimes.. Soon I'll be strong enough to make you fly with me,. And nothing will ever stop us then...”

soulfighter98 − We share your pain Sister... My condolences ❤

one_78 − I am so sorry for your loss. A while back I found this comment on grief by u/Gsnow and it really helped me a lot, I hope it can help you as well. Alright, here goes. I'm old. What that means is that I've survived (so far) and a lot of people I've known and loved did not. I've lost friends, best friends, acquaintances, co-workers, grandparents, mom, relatives, teachers, mentors, students, neighbors, and a host of other folks.

I have no children, and I can't imagine the pain it must be to lose a child. But here's my two cents. I wish I could say you get used to people dying. I never did. I don't want to. It tears a hole through me whenever somebody I love dies, no matter the circumstances. But I don't want it to 'not matter'. I don't want it to be something that just passes.

My scars are a testament to the love and the relationship that I had for and with that person. And if the scar is deep, so was the love. So be it. Scars are a testament to life. Scars are a testament that I can love deeply and live deeply and be cut, or even gouged, and that I can heal and continue to live and continue to love.

And the scar tissue is stronger than the original flesh ever was. Scars are a testament to life. Scars are only ugly to people who can't see. As for grief, you'll find it comes in waves. When the ship is first wrecked, you're drowning, with wreckage all around you. Everything floating around you reminds you of the beauty and the magnificence of the ship that was, and is no more.

And all you can do is float. You find some piece of the wreckage and you hang on for a while. Maybe it's some physical thing. Maybe it's a happy memory or a photograph. Maybe it's a person who is also floating. For a while, all you can do is float. Stay alive. In the beginning, the waves are 100 feet tall and crash over you without mercy.

They come 10 seconds apart and don't even give you time to catch your breath. All you can do is hang on and float. After a while, maybe weeks, maybe months, you'll find the waves are still 100 feet tall, but they come further apart. When they come, they still crash all over you and wipe you out.

But in between, you can breathe, you can function. You never know what's going to trigger the grief. It might be a song, a picture, a street intersection, the smell of a cup of coffee. It can be just about anything...and the wave comes crashing. But in between waves, there is life.

Somewhere down the line, and it's different for everybody, you find that the waves are only 80 feet tall. Or 50 feet tall. And while they still come, they come further apart. You can see them coming. An anniversary, a birthday, or Christmas, or landing at O'Hare. You can see it coming, for the most part, and prepare yourself. And when it washes over you, you know that somehow you will, again, come out the other side.

Soaking wet, sputtering, still hanging on to some tiny piece of the wreckage, but you'll come out. Take it from an old guy. The waves never stop coming, and somehow you don't really want them to. But you learn that you'll survive them. And other waves will come. And you'll survive them too. If you're lucky, you'll have lots of scars from lots of loves. And lots of shipwrecks.

[Reddit User] − Know that someone on the other side of the planet is thinking of you and your family. So glad her last days were spent with you and the ones she loved. Think of her often and with a smile on your face.

DraconianPlebian − You gave her what people spend their whole life seeking. Best of luck my friend.

Sheephuddle − I'm so sorry, I send my condolences and hugs. You'll always have those happy memories, cherish them and the years you had with your little sis.

hwanzi − f**k I came from /r/all and was not prepared for this....and now I'm tearing up. I'm so sorry for your loss.

tadeadliest − F**k I can't imagine the pain you're going through. I love my little sisters so much, and I just want to go home and hug them now. I'm very happy you were able to make the best of your time with her. I wish you and your family the best and I hope you continue living and honor her memory.

Whew, these Redditors are cooking up a storm of sibling love! Their suggestions are pure gold, but can they top a backyard movie bash? One thing’s for sure: this brother’s got a fan club!

From board game battles to selfie sessions, this brother’s holiday mission is a masterclass in making every day count. His sister’s laughter is the real MVP, proving home can be the best adventure. Ever turned a quiet day into a family fiesta? Drop your tips below—what’s your secret to sibling magic?

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