My 96 year old grandmother was admitted into the ER yesterday with congestive heart failure. She has always been healthy, sharp as a tack and one of the strongest women I know - even after losing her only daughter (my mom). The bond that I share with her is so deep. When I walk into her home, I can feel my mother's presence (okay, not in a paranormal way)....but the way her house smells, when I hear her voice, when I see her face.....everything brings warmth and comfort into my heart.

My father told me that she had been admitted to the ER for congestive heart failure and I immediately started crying. Any time I hear of a close loved one being sick I go into somewhat of a panic mode because it triggers the memory of receiving "that" phone call that my mother was dead.

My father became annoyed with me. He told me, "Why do you always react this way? I shouldn't have even told you. She's NINETY SIX! You should prepare yourself!" My father and I NEVER argue. He is the love of my life but when he said this, my body stiffened up and I yelled, "How can you say that? It's like if someone were to come and tell me, 'Your dad is 75, you should be prepared because he's old! She is healthy and can do things that 96 years old can't do! SHE DOESN'T WANT TO DIE so how in the hell can you expect me to "prepare myself" to watch my grandmother die when SHE DOESN'T WANT TO DIE????" My father just gave me a look (I'm not sure if he felt bad for raising his voice at me or if he was surprised that I raised my voice at him, gave me kiss and then left my house.

I've been feeling so conflicted. I love and respect my dad and I NEVER yell at him. But, I think his delivery was a bit insensitive.

TL;DR: My father chastised me for crying when I found out that my (otherwise healthy) 96 year old grandmother is in the hospital and told me that "I should be strong and 'prepare myself' for her impending death."