Death Bed Visions: Departing Or Death Bed Visions FAQ

By Carla Wills-Brandon, Ph.D.

Departing Or Death Bed Visions FAQ

WHAT IS A DEPARTING VISION (OFTEN CALLED A DEATHBED VISION)?

Most Hospice workers are very familiar with departing or deathbed visions, but sometimes these experiences are difficult to put into words. A deathbed vision or Death Bed Vision is a powerful, comforting experience the dying and their family members often encounter just before death occurs. The dying will report visions of angels, deceased loved ones or religious figures moments, hours, days or even weeks before actual death takes place. These visions typically lessen the fear of dying and make passing an easier transition for all concerned.

Family members at the death bed of a loved one who are not familiar with the death bed vision phenomenon will often ask healthcare workers and hospice caretakers, "COULDN'T THESE 'VISIONS' JUST BE THE BY-PRODUCT OF A DYING BRAIN?"

In the 1920's, 1960's and 1970's, several researchers asked these exact questions. These researchers decided to put this phenomenon to the test. What they discovered was astounding. The visions of the dying most often were those of deceased relatives. During the vision, deceased relatives would appear to the dying person to offer support, guidance and assistance as death drew near. Interestingly, in some deathbed vision accounts, the dying individual received visitations from relatives s/he did not know were already deceased. While scientifically investigating this phenomenon, they also discovered that these departing visions have been reported by the dying for centuries. Even President Abraham Lincoln had a deathbed vision just before his own assassination. When Death Bed Vision's are reported, hospice workers and healthcare providers are often confronted with a number of questions from confused family members, such as "What about wishful thinking, related to a fear of death? Maybe my loved one is imagining all of this."

The above would be a simple explanation, but the Death Bed Vision phenomenon isn't that cut and dry. One researcher compared the Death Bed Vision's of dying Americans with those in India. Thousands of nurses and doctors were interviewed and asked what they had witnessed as death drew near. Death Bed Vision's were often reported. Except for a few religious differences, the Death Bed Vision's of both cultures were incredibly similar. The consistency of the experiences between those dying in America and those in India has guided me to believe there is more to the Death Bed Vision experience than wishful thinking.

Hospice workers and healthcare providers are also often asked, "HOW ABOUT MEDICATION? MEDICATIONS CAN CERTAINLY INDUCE HALLUCINATIONS."

Many of the individuals who have reported these visions were not on medications and were up to the moment of death very coherent. Those who are on medications have also shared visions similar to those who are not on medications. Finally, well, alert, sober family members and friends of the dying have had Death Bed Vision's. Along with loved ones, hospice workers and healthcare providers have also reported Death Bed Vision experiences.

ARE THE Death Bed Vision'S OF FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS SIMILAR TO THOSE OF THE DYING?

Interestingly, yes! These individuals can also receive visitations from deceased relatives (in some cases they too were not aware the dying person was actually preparing to pass), angels or religious figures. Like the dying, dreams of "heaven" or communication with other worldly figures have been reported by those attending the dying. In many situations, loved ones of the dying will have a visitation from the person who is passing at the moment of death. In other words, a loved one at home may be awakened from a deep sleep by a feeling and know that passing has occurred, or even by a vision of the dying person (who is at the hospital or in another location). Many of these individuals then receive a phone call minutes later confirming death.

AS A LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST, HAS UNDERSTANDING Death Bed Vision'S HELPED YOU ASSIST THOSE WHO ARE IN GRIEF?

In many cases, bereaved individuals will come to me and say, "I had a rather strange experience just before Uncle Joe passed," or "While Mom was dying, she started talking to all of the dead relatives as if they were right there, in the room with her!" For those who have had such experiences, my own personal and professional involvement with Death Bed Vision's validates their encounters. By sharing my experiences and those of others I have collected, I help these individuals to feel "normal" about their experiences. These individuals usually walk away from my office feeling very relieved to have found someone who understands.

For those who are dying, Death Bed Vision information offers comfort, validates any visions they might have had or may have in the future, and lessons the fear of death. With individuals seeking answers to questions about death, Death Bed Vision information often propels them into resolving their own issues about dying.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO WRITE "ONE LAST HUG BEFORE I GO: THE MYSTERY AND MEANING OF DEATHBED VISIONS?"

This is my eighth and most important book to date because it is so personal. My son experienced a Death Bed Vision when his grandfather died. I too had a Death Bed Vision when my own mother passed. Over the last 20 years, I have heard countless accounts of Death Bed Vision's from not only the dying, but from those who love them. Sadly, I have often been the first person they ever discuss these blessed events with. Fear of societal judgment keeps many of us silent and a lack of validation often creates confusion.

My job as a healthcare provider has been to validate Death Bed Vision's for those patients of mine who report them, and to then use them for processing grief and developing a sense of spiritual wellness. It is the lack of public awareness about the Death Bed Vision phenomenon that convinced me to write this book. Death Bed Vision's are a neglected source of peace and comfort to all those involved. This must change. Today, I have no absolute answers regarding life after death, but I do strongly believe the Death Bed Vision experience must not continue to be ignored.

Carla Wills-Brandon has authored numerous self-help books and has worked for close to two decades as a licensed marriage and family therapist, educator and lecturer. In her private practice, she and her husband, Michael Brandon, Ph.D. work with couples as a couple. Wills-Brandon has an MA in Psychology and a Ph.D. in nutrition.   Please visit her website at: http://www.carlawillsbrandon.com/