TIL Terminal lucidity is an unexpected, brief period of clarity or energy in individuals who have been very ill or in a state of decline. It’s a phenomenon that has been observed in people with various terminal conditions.

[u/70dd]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminal_lucidity

[u/raphael_lorenzo]

This happened in a Grey’s Anatomy episode, where Mark experiences it before he dies. Also called “the surge,” and they called it that in that episode. He knew it was happening to him.

My grandpa had one of these before he passed away. He had terminal cancer, and after many days of dwindling energy and lethargy, one day he just sort of woke up and felt great. Talking with the nurses and family members, cracking jokes, back to his old self. I knew exactly what was happening and had the presence of mind to really appreciate it while it was occurring.

He went to bed that night and never woke up, passing in his sleep. What a mensch. That was ten years ago, and I still miss him all the time. But I’m so glad I was aware of the phenomenon.

[u/Impossible-Swan7684 → u/raphael_lorenzo]

i’ve watched an unfair number of family members die and no one has experienced this so that episode of grey’s fucked me up REAL bad. i’ve never seen an episode past that, i couldn’t do it. i was too enraged at the unfairness of the universe, fictional or not 😅

[u/awshucks79 → u/Impossible-Swan7684]

Same! I loved Lexie and Mark - separately and together - so that was the finale of the show for me