Visiting a Sick Relative

[NYGirl100]

Hi, all!  I have another question for everyone.  My DH's oldest uncle is currently in the hospital and it doesn't look good.  We're not close to them - we only met them at the wedding and never saw them again.  The uncle is also not that close to my MIL because of a big age difference.  My parents only met them at the wedding as well, but they do live an hour away from the hospital.  The question -- is it appropriate and/or expected for my parents to go to the hospital to visit him?   If yes, should they bring anything?  Thank you in advance!

[Chocolate Cake]

No, it's not expected that your parents visit your DH's uncle.  In fact, I'd go so far as to say that it would be inappropriate.  He doesn't know them, they don't know him, and I can think of nothing more awkward than for them (virtual stangers) to show up at his sickbed.   

If they feel they must do something, they should send a card.

[ZipTheWonder]

I would say no.  The most I would suggest is that your parents might take over a meal or food trays to wherever the family is gathering, if they feel inclined to reach out to your husband's family.  

[Evil Duckie]

No, it is not inappropriate to not visit. I would say the the opposite would be true.

Since they don't really know him, I would suggest that unless there is a good reason to not visit. They are strangers to him even though they are related. Send a card instead.

If they do visit. I would ask before taking anything because depending on which unit in the hospital he is in they might not be able to take anything in.

[Gileswench]

I definitely have to go with the majority here: they shouldn't go. After all, they met the man once. If they'd like to send a card or good wishes through you, then that would be very kind and generous of them...though you should be prepared for the recipiant to be slightly bewildered by the thought since he doesn't know them.

[MrsP81]

I agree with the other posters. They should not go. It would be uncomfortable for everyone.

[NYGirl100]

Thanks, everyone!  My first instinct was that they shouldn't visit as well, but I wanted to check because I didn't want anyone to say that it was awful of my parents not even to come visit when they were so close.  I will consider the sending flowers or card idea, though. 

[MineralDiva]

I have to toss in my agreement that they shouldn't go.  If they wish to send a card to your MIL, that would be nice.  But anything else would be inappropriate, since they don't even know the man.  Whatever they do would be to comfort the MIL, whom they DO know...not the uncle, whom they don't. 

[Bijou]

Hi, all!  I have another question for everyone.  My DH's oldest uncle is currently in the hospital and it doesn't look good.  We're not close to them - we only met them at the wedding and never saw them again.  The uncle is also not that close to my MIL because of a big age difference.  My parents only met them at the wedding as well, but they do live an hour away from the hospital.  The question -- is it appropriate and/or expected for my parents to go to the hospital to visit him?   If yes, should they bring anything?  Thank you in advance!

Regarding your parents, I think a card might be nice but a visit doesn't seem necessary.  If they don't know the person it could be very ackward for all concerned. 
Personally, I would prefer not to have visitors when I am ill or in the hospital (except for close family), so I am a bit biased, I suppose.