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In reply to the discussion: My husband died last night. [View all]IrishAyes
(6,151 posts)Religion tells us why, science tells us how.
Or words to that effect. At my age I can't be entirely trusted to remember everything perfectly.
But I did a great deal of hospice work in my time, and it was the most rewarding work of my life. Made a better person of me, and I saw and learned so much. Stayed the last night with a lady who'd been comatose 2 or 3 days already. But as usual I spoke to her a little and let her know how honored I was to be there as she prepared to take her journey. Around midnight I could sense her mind come awake; she turned her head slowly, gave me a beautiful smile, and said these exact words: "I'm leaving now." And she did. Out of personal tradition I opened a window to bid her soul bon voyage. (People used to do that because they feared otherwise the person's soul might be trapped.)
I'd bet my bottom dollar the cat WAS there, too. As the veil between this world and the next opens to receive someone, they can see things we can't.
May I add what Steve Jobs' sister said about her brother's last words? She said just before he passed, he got a look of wonder on his face and said, "Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow."
May you be comforted by memory of Tom's love for you. At some point when least expected, you may get a sense of his arms enfolding you; don't worry, you're not tripping. It's real.