It says “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you” It's the four things you're supposed to express at the end of your life to find peace of mind before you die. Rose Bosacker has the quote on a little card on her fridge.
“There is something most people say before they die, and it's usually 'I love you' or they call out to their mum or dad – who have usually already died,” Julie said. She added that it is hard to generalise what happens when people die as each individual is unique in their own way.
Visual or auditory hallucinations are often part of the dying experience. The appearance of family members or loved ones who have died is common. These visions are considered normal. The dying may turn their focus to “another world” and talk to people or see things that others do not see.
“I am so sorry for the struggle you are going through, and I think of you often.” “I wish I could take this pain away for you.” “I truly admire your strength and resilience.” “I wish every good thing for you and your family, and I will be thinking of (or praying for) you as you go through this.”
When a loved one cries in front of a dying person, that person then gains the permission and confidence to also be candid about emotions. It opens a pathway to a conversation that could be once in a lifetime. Additionally, the loved one who's dying knows others are sad.
Hospice has a program that says that no one should have to die alone, and yet this hospice nurse is telling me to take a break? Some patients want to die when no one else is there. Hospice professionals know that companionship while dying is a personal preference.
Many people lose consciousness near the end of life. But they may still have some awareness of other people in the room. They may be able to hear what's being said or feel someone holding their hand.
And we all need to be reminded that staying comfortable for too long, is slowly killing us. Life is outside of your comfort zone - not in an environment that is crushing your soul, or in the bottom of a bottle.
Often patients who are about to die will shed a single tear, and in some instances a second tear. This phenomenon known as lacrima mortis or the tear of death is a source of mystery that transcends this mortal realm.
“Mama” is one of the most common last words that people speak. Some people's last utterances are curse words. Others may mumble a word that holds significance to them – but it may mean nothing to their families – for their final words.
– Your last wishes can include anything you want, including funeral or cremation preferences and plans, body disposition preferences, obituary information, messages to your loved ones, requests for your final days, and personal information like where your will is.
In the hours before death, most people fade as the blood supply to their body declines further. They sleep a lot, their breathing becomes very irregular, and their skin becomes cool to the touch. Those who do not lose consciousness in the days before death usually do so in the hours before.
Dying is a natural process that the body has to work at. Just as a woman in labor knows a baby is coming, a dying person may instinctively know death is near. Even if your loved one doesn't discuss their death, they most likely know it is coming.
