16 Comments

Thank you Bob. My mother passed from end stage Alzheimer’s when I was in the room at her memory care home but asleep. I was next to her in a recliner chair for sleeping provided by Hospice. I tried hard to stay awake but was exhausted from work. I am a veterinary technician. She passed around 1:00am and I woke up at 4:00 am to find her gone.

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Hi Bonnie, Thanks for writing. I'm glad you found the article. It's a common concern, and one that causes people unnecessary regret, frustration, and even guilt. Now you know and can have faith that the timing was exactly what she needed. So sorry for your loss.

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Bob, When most people are nearing the final chapter of earthly life, they seem to see loved ones who already passed. Have you researched in this area?

I recollect a number of stories from friends and family about “Escorting Spirits.” Including a parent, cousin, and a hospice worker.

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Yes, Eugene, you're so right. The phrase I use is pre-death visions or, the more commonly used term, deathbed visions. I hear from a lot of stories from hospice workers about this. I have an article here on Substack titled, "Oh Wow, It's Beautiful! Understanding Deathbed Visions." The URL is: https://bobolsonconnect.com/p/oh-wow-its-beautiful-theyre-waiting

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My mother for the two nights before her death was having a big conversation with someone. She raised her hands up a lot. I could only make out her saying Yes and Ok often and saying her brothers name who passed two years prior.

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Hi Bonnie, I'm glad you found this article on deathbed visions as well. Sounds like you solved the mystery of who she was talking to. I'm sure that felt comforting knowing she had a loved one waiting for her.

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I guess the URL does link in the comments. Live and learn. 😊

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I read years ago about how to know what your life lessons are and it gave lists of some typical lessons. (Sorry, I don't know what the book was.) From that it was fairly easy for me to determine my major and minor life lessons to conquer. So then I worried that, since I'm over-achieving and doing such an awesome job conquering these lessons (if only! :D ) maybe I'll die sooner than I'd like. But your article gives me new hope that I can choose to have a few more easier decades just for fun! I love your picture of Heaven! And the rainbow. I see you get behind the lens sometimes, too! Thanks, Bob!

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Good point! I'm sure you're not the only person to wonder if by working hard at personal and spiritual growth, if we're accelerating our exit. I'm glad you pointed that question out and how this article addresses it. The fact is that the opposite can happen, meaning by doing personal work, our soul might choose to hang around longer to see what unexpected experiences and lessons we might learn as a result. By the way, how should I address you? I see your Substack name as Reimar, is that correct? A quick Google search says Reimar means Pioneering Spirit. I love that!

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So in essence, maybe you can skip a grade next time through. I like it! And Pioneering Spirit--whoa, I love that! You can address me as Mary. Reimar is a combo of my first and last names. I like it because it sounds like I'm a composer of rhymes. :)

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Bob, I am amazed at your ability to clearly explain and summarize a topic that can be challenging for most people. I am trained as an end-of-life doula and plan on sharing this article with folks as the need arises. Thanks for all you do to enlighten humankind.

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Hi Karen, that's really nice of you. What a compassionate and helpful calling you have chosen. I appreciate your kindness.

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Once again, Bob. This resonates as pure truth to my soul and I actually realize you've just reminded me of what I already knew before this lifetime. ❤️

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Hi Sharon, what a great way of saying it: "reminded me of what I already knew before this lifetime." As always, I thank you.

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Amazingly clear and digestible explanation of how we 'chose' our time of passing. I have intuitively understood our actions and ripples while we are alive (how our choices impact paths/people), but hadn't considered deeply how our time of passing also can affect us and others. And I love the idea of 'hanging around' because its fun, there is more to learn, changes we see/make, etc.

I personally have faced death (terminal illness at that time that is now chronic instead with good mangagement) and recognize that because of how I approached my life and my choices from that, I'm still here 30+ years later, and intend on 'hanging around' for another 40 or so, because I have so much I want to still do.

Thank you. Your sharing is beautiful, loving, and helpful.

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Thank you, Bruce. Your words always leap off the page with love, indicative of someone who has teetered on the edge of mortality and come away with a deeper sense of compassion, love and care. I, for one, am happy that you looked death in the eye and said, "Not now, thank you." I hope you hang around for many years to come and have a lot of fun in the interim. I appreciate your thoughtful feedback.

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