I was with my brother literally seconds before he died in an end of life hospice. Whenever I went to visit I couldn’t help but thinking about if ‘spirits’ were present from those who died there. Same in NH, ALF, hospitals and funeral homes. Even think about if my mom dies in my home. I hope I won’t get creeped out if she does die at home.
I can’t imagine how awful it must be to be a soldier and seeing death of fellow soldiers. Being in a plane crash. car wreck, etc and seeing death.
My daughter’s friend recently lost her boyfriend in a horrible car crash. The poor girl watched him bleed out. EMS could not get there in time. He was dead when they arrived. She lost it. So sad.
I’ve never been with someone at the moment of death. Kind of scares me. On my mind a lot with mom. I don’t dwell on it but it stays in the back of my mind. Thoughts?
How does the medical profession get used to this? Nurses and doctors? Or clergy?
i pretty much expect to be the one present when my motherinlaw passes. She thinks a lot about her impending death and even this evening said, “wouldn’t it be nice to just not wake up.” (Sorry, she says things like that). I know it can be hard for the body to let go of the spirit, the belabored breathing can be hard to watch, but- and I’m not trying to gloss over this- there’s something holy about being present when a LO crosses over. I was there when my mom died and later my dad and each time there was an energy in the room, a sort of spiritual energy that I like to think was the comforting spirit of God. Your role at that time, offering love and affirmation, holding a hand, maybe some comfort measures, is your last loving act as a caregiver.
After my mom died in my presence, in my grief I was worried I would always remember how sick she was at the end, her struggles and misery. But now that years have passed, I can verify that those troublesome images were not the ones that prevailed over time, instead, it is her laugh, her smiling eyes and the funny things she said that come in thoughts of her and make me smile.
this is so long- I didn’t intend it to be! But you asked a question that got me thinking.
Thanks for your insightful post. These things cross our minds, don’t they?
My mom has made remarks too. She will say that she is surprised she is still living and that she never thought she would make it to 93. She has Parkinson’s but other than that, no heart issues like daddy, no diabetes, all her labs come back fine, etc.
Sometimes I think she may go on to 100 and I will be dead! Hahaha
The PAIN of dying--can be horrible, and override the peace that a long awaited passing can bring.
Do I think spirits are amongst us? I most assuredly do. I know in times of deep anguish, I have never been alone. I remember once, being so supremely depressed I decided to end my life. I was 'visited' by 4 or 5 of my ancestors, who held my hands, prayed for me and basically told me I was not going to do this awful thing to my family. I was so surrounded by unconditional love--I did get help and things did get better.
I feel my daddy's presence a lot. We were very close and sometimes, I pray for him to hold my hand during tough times. Is he there every second of everyday? No, because I think he has 'stuff' to do--but I know he is always there for me.
I have cancer and am undergoing chemotherapy. I fully expect to recover, but I know my life is probably not going to go well into my 90's now. Having this belief in a life hereafter makes the chemo doable. And it makes me appreciate each 'good day'.
I truly appreciate what you are saying. I feel as if my daddy is looking out for me too. He was a special man. I was very close to my dad too.
You have an amazing testimony and a more amazing spirit. I think you will beat this too. Best wishes to you. It’s tough.
I have been present when my own cats and dog were euthanized, again their was no fear or pain, just a gentle passing from them being with us to no longer being there.
So last November when I was with Mum when step dad passed, I was unafraid. His death was peaceful and once he was gone, he truly was gone. He had strong faith and knew where he was going.
I have been in homes where there has been a violent death and nothing remains of the event.
Great experiences for you. I too was there for my animals dying. Same with people, eh... I am not so sure. I hope so.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
You answer gave me chills! I so want to believe that everyone has someone near at the time of death.
Thanks so much for sharing this. It is a beautiful story. What a comforting experience that must have been for you. Or were you scared to see a ‘woman’ there? How old were you when that happened?
I have never ever seen a ghost or heard a spirit. I wonder if I would think that I was going crazy. I do believe others from another realm can contact us if there is a purpose such as in your family. That’s really beautiful, isn’t it?
I believe that a loved one comes for you.