While the sick man has life there is hope.

As long as something is still underway, the outcome is not settled. That is a smaller claim than it sounds and promises nothing about recovery; it is a reason not to close the account early on someone’s behalf. People do sometimes turn a corner nobody expected, and treating a situation as finished changes how the person is handled and spoken to. Hope kept honest leaves the door on its hinges.

If someone you love is ill, go on making ordinary plans with them. Ask about next month as well as about today. It lets them stay a person with a future rather than a case with a prognosis.