| The purpose of this study was to explore, following loss, the experiences of surviving family members in the final life cycle stage, and identify themes, patterns or categories of meanings related to the grief experiences of family participants. The use of semistructured interviews was the method of collecting data, and the researcher completed all data analysis. As part of the analysis, the transcripts were analyzed and coded by the researcher into 16 significant themes with the following themes identified: the experience as a process, not an event; death is part of life/acceptance; fulfilling loved one's wishes; finding meaning through spirituality; the impact of previous experience with loss effects finding meaning; coping skills and social support as buffers; remaining connected after death; family relationships were changed; family structure changed; changed communication patterns; fear their loved one would suffer; letting go versus giving up; ill family member's expressed fears related to leaving family; "goofy/bizarre" grieving processes; anticipatory grief; and, lessons learned from the experience. Several conclusions were drawn. First, the experience produces change in the family system. The specific changes and the extent of the changes are dependent on numerous factors: the quality of the relationship prior to the diagnosis, communication, flexibility and cohesion between family members, the coping skills and resources of the family, past experience with a similar loss, experience with any other loss, the ability to make sense of the experience or make meaning, the life cycle stage of the family, the age of the terminally ill family member, the ages of the other family members, the geographical distance between family members, the length of the illness, and the length of time from the diagnosis to death. |
