The Natural Way to Say Goodbye

Death comes only once, and therefore, knowing how to say goodbye can be a difficult situation. Here at Tindall Funeral Home more often than not here relatives lament about how they would have approached the last hours of the deceased. Below are some of the lessons we’d like to share with you on when death occurs.

Don’t Wait for the Final Hour

Waiting for the last minute is probably the biggest mistake we as relatives of the deceased make. More often than not, we want to know the last hours in order to begin preparations of how to say goodbye. This is what the author of Final Journeys: A Practical Guide for Bringing Care and Comfort at the End of Life has to say, “Dying people have the uncanny ability to choose the moment of death, and it's not uncommon for them to spare those they love the most or feel protective of by waiting until those people leave the room.”

Instead of spending more time convincing the patient that they is not suffering alone, share these last moments telling them how important they are to you. Tell them that you are sorry for what you did at some point in life, tell them that you love them, tell them thank you for being in your life.

My point is, it is virtually impossible to know the exact time when death occurs, therefore, don’t wait until the ‘supposed final hour’ to tell them what they really mean to you.

Speaking, Without Uttering a Single Word

The hardest thing in this world has to say goodbye to a loved one, but did you know that you do not have to say it, at all. It is more important that you spend the last moments with a loved one before death occurs – just being there is enough to offer a dying person peace at heart.

As the saying goes, ‘actions speak louder than words.’ A simple kiss on the forehead, holding their hand, offering a smile – all these are beautiful ways of saying goodbye without having to utter cliché/rehearsed statements, which come not from the heart.  

Don’t Stop Talking

While sitting next to their deathbed, don’t stop talking. Maintain a conversation even if you are not getting a response from the loved one. For instance, if a loved one is in a coma, just keep talking. The chances are that they are listening to you, even though they are not responsive.

Research has shown that hearing is usually the last sense to leave when death occurs, so don’t stop talking until the last second. Let it all out, because when they are gone, you will never get a chance to tell them what was truly in your heart.

In conclusion, these are some of the most natural ways of saying goodbye when death occurs. If you have any questions concerning this, and other topics, feel free to contact our funeral service, Tindall Funeral Home.