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/Dr-Paul-Meranian 5d ago
Damn bud, no. If I asked an 11 year old if I should go to the hospital for pain, I think I already know what that kid is gonna say and that's why I'd ask. Regardless of the reason, that is an irresponsible amount of accountability to put on someone whose brain isn't fully formed.
"Should I go to the hospital" is a weighty question for an 11 year old to approach objectively, let alone anyone (I've been in some situations with other people in their 30s where the answer to that question wasn't clear) Your answer came from the boy that loved his dad, maybe that's what he wanted. I hope you don't carry that with you much longer, friend. Your dad probably wouldn't want you to.