How Does The Body Know It Is Time To Go?

[kayakamina]

Two weeks ago I went to visit my oldest friend of 53 years standing. She
had been a constant through my life sharing marriage, children & grandchildren.
She was Godmother to my late son.
As we moved to different counties we did not see each other as we once had,
but remained close though letters & phone calls. I knew she had moved into a
Nursing Home but I took comfort from her cheery letters which were always
immaculately written & articulate.
As I had other personal business in South Africa I decided to arrange to visit
her and we were both excited at the prospect of seeing each other again.
When I arrived the staff told me she had spoken of nothing else for weeks and
had had her hair done that morning.
We spent a lovely few hours reminiscing and when It was time for me to go
we embraced and she said 'I've been waiting for you'

She died in her sleep that night.

The staff told me she looked serene & at peace.

How does the brain/body or whatever decide that it is the right time to go?

I'm still trying to get my head around it all.

[goodlife]

Feeling this way is quite normal. Even Jesus Christ, when he learned of the death of a close friend, gave way to tears and groaned inside. (John 11:33-37)
Realizing that others have felt as you do may help you better to understand your feelings and deal with your loss.

[RATTER15]

Murraymints, life here is fantastic, loving every minute thanks.

[society]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your dear friend. My deepest condolences, kayakamina. xx

I do believe a person knows when their time has come. Seeing her and saying goodbye before she left is a very special and precious memory for you. I am glad for you that you had the opportunity to say bye to her in person. God bless you both. x

[vodkancoke]

So sorry for your loss. I'm glad you managed to see her and say goodbye to her x

My Nonna went the same way. As soon as she had seen every member of our family (all 35 of them!) she passed away in her sleep the following morning.

[Kromovaracun]

This isn't the only case I've heard of this - I remember reading about one study referenced in a book by Richard Wiseman, which showed that the number of people who pass away in hospitals rises significantly after times like Christmas or (on a more individual basis) a grandchild/loved one's birthday. People seem to be able to "hang on" to some degree or another for brief lengths of time.

On a more personal note, I remember when my grandfather was in a hospice, the nurse told me that she could tell which patients would soon pass because they had embraced it and stopped resisting it.

I'd also like to say I found this post very moving and I'd like to express my sincere condolences for the loss of your friend. It sounds like the two of you were very close.