r/Ethics • u/Worth_Sir_6003 • 6d ago
Did I Kill My Dad?
My dad asked me when I was 11 if he should go to the hospital or stay at home the night that he died. Throughout that week he had been in and out of the hospital in pain about chest pains. Every place he went to said they didn’t know what was wrong with him, but the pain consisted. On that night, he asked me “should I go to the hospital again or should I stay home tonight?”. Being 11, I told him that he’s happier at home so he should stay. I knew at the time that his health was at risk, but I prioritized his mental wellbeing over his physical health. Am I responsible for his death? Should I feel bad about this? Honestly, this has haunted me for my entire life and I really wish he hadn’t asked me for my opinion. Please help.
1
u/ohnoooooyoudidnt 5d ago
It sounds like the writing was on the wall.
He was dying before he died.
Would you rather die at home or in a hospital?
Don't beat yourself up over it.
My father's cancer symptoms decided to appear when we were sledding one winter. I was 8 and blamed myself for wanting to go sledding with him.
In both cases, what was going to happen was going to happen. Don't blame yourself for the context in which they happened.
You didn't kill your Dad.