I secretly wish that my late son will appear to me at the end of my life to escort me over to the other side.

But then I read articles that claim that these visions are created by a dying brain and my little bubble is burst.

Even if it is a vision created by a dying brain it does not matter. Once you see your late son waiting for you nothing more will matter than that. I have witnessed more deaths than many, I have lost most of my family and the fact that I was an ICU nurse. I have seen a lot of things and heard people say a lot of things. Mostly they have been comforting. My mother saw people for several days, she could not say who they were but they comforted her.

Thank you.

When I tended the dying as a CNA in a nursing home and was there at the moment of death as well as (lovingly) washing their bodies, it seemed like a light, spirited-filled room. It was tangible in a way that I can't explain, really.

Thank you for the work you do; it can be such a sacrifice but it's so important.

but I miss it. I think attending a death is a privilege. Often beautiful. Sad yes, but important to many that they not die alone. Thank you for what you do. I imagine you feel the same about the loving care that can be offered as someone slowly transitions to whatever is beyond if anything. An old woman once asked me to open the window a crack so her spirit could fly free. After that I always did it. It seemed nice.

Not being religious it is hard to say what I think about all of it. Still we think from this side so who knows. If nothing else there are things that happen to our minds that make the passage easier for so many. Again, if nothing else we have memories that can create that experience.

I so hope you find your son. I am hoping for my brother who was the best person I have ever known. If nothing else I cling to the old Rainbow Bridge. Oddly that gives me as much comfort as anything. I have a farm and ranch so you can imagine....lol.

People who died under your care were very lucky. Too many are not loving or caring, just prepping for making the body ready to move. I find it so sad.

She has a mast cell tumor in her spleen and we're just making her comfortable. She's still engaging in life so it's a waiting game. I was thinking DU members should form an Honor Guard of all their animals who're already at Rainbow Bridge to escort our newbies over

I'm long retired too cuz I blew out my back from all the heavy lifting as a CNA. I miss it too. It is a privilege but evidently has to be a calling to see that.

You're really a good writer. very expressive and thoughtful. Thank you for your kind words. Your nurturing nurse's heart is still at work

as you ease your kitty to the bridge. That is so hard. Warm and gentle hugs to you and your sweet kitty.

I think we are born this way. I see the same thing with your writing. right back. Most people can do it when they have to but some of us are OK doing it whenever it is needed.