My dad was unexpected because we had an estranged relationship. We got a call from his wife saying he was dying of terminal colon cancer and wouldn't last but a few days. Had to say goodbye over the phone while he was in a coma. He lived two days after that phone call. My mom suffered for years with copd and that was difficult watching her not being able to breathe. Thinking any day might be her last to have her bounce back and act somewhat healthy then to watch her deteriorate to where she couldn't even sit up anymore and her weight drop down to around 80 pounds. Sometimes you just want it to be over with. They are both bad. I have thought about this many times and wonder which way is better. I decided there is no good way. With my mom, though i got to say goodbye to her and tell her how I felt and talk to her about death. With my dad I felt more anger more not being told sooner. They say people hear you when they are in a coma but you don't know for sure. The good thing is I didn't have to watch him suffer.