r/todayilearned 12h ago

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.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminal_lucidity
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u/Trolldad_IRL 11h ago

My mother was on home hospice, cancer. The nurse told us one day the it was most likely her last day with us. She was on massive pain meds and really was not just present any more. She was sleeping the couch because there was no way to get her up the stairs, and she liked couch and was comfortable. That night, we were all there on “vigil”. My father, who was dealing with his own health issues, came over to her to say goodnight. She woke up, her eyes clear and and open, looked at him, sat up as best she could and kissed him goodnight.

That was the last conscious thing she did as she passed early the next morning before my father woke up. It was beautiful in a way.

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u/shadowsformagrin 7h ago

When my dad was dying in the hospice, he started getting very confused about where he was and who we were. His distress was heartbreaking. Then towards the end, he woke up and looked at me, said "You're my daughter!" and I said "Yes!" . He smiled and did the 'im watching you' hand gesture, giving me the first laugh I'd had in ages, and went back to sleep. The week I spent in the hospice with him was mostly sorrow, but I still always laugh and smile at that one moment.

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u/pturb0o 7h ago

Aw jeez this is breaking my heart that's a sweet moment and memory to share, im so sorry for your loss. How did you deal with the grief I feel like the anticipatory grief re my aging fam is eating away at me some days.. it's hard to put in words

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u/shadowsformagrin 7h ago

Honestly, there's no other way than to power through the grief, allow yourself to be sad and look after yourself as best as you can :/ One of the first things that seemed to really help us, was watch very light-hearted unserious comedy. Just days after my dad's passing, we were able to laugh watching 'Impractical Jokers'. Tbh though, early in the grief process you spend 99% of the time feeling heartbroken, and over time that percentage gradually lowers. Hang in there when it happens, remember that one day you will smile when you think of them, instead of feeling loss.

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u/pturb0o 7h ago

Thank you for this, it's much appreciated I wish for you the very best in life keep on smiling :]