Called to “Sit Vigil” for Someone Dying?
Dying is a spiritual process. Your own included.
Hello visitor, Granny here! I’m glad you’ve dropped by DEATH ROADHOUSE. Are you here hoping to ease the stress of 24/7 caregiving for someone you love?
At some point, you along with almost everyone will “sit vigil” at the bedside of a dying loved one. It may be your close friend, grandparent, a sibling, or another family member; most likely, it will be your father or mother.
The first time I ever sat vigil was with my Auntie Arlene, who died at home in her 60s of lung cancer. My exhausted cousins asked if I would take the night watch, so they could finally get some rest. I felt honored. For four nights in a row, I sat reading in a chair next to the bed as my dear aunt fitfully slept.
On the second night, she woke up and stared at me curiously, as if wondering why I was there. “Honey, don’t you ever sleep?” she asked.
I had to smile as I realized how odd it must feel to my Auntie to wake up in the middle of the night to find me sitting there, watching her. I gently reminded her that I was there to watch over her and help her to the bathroom when she had to go.
Shining some light on the bedside vigil
My goal with this story is to shine some light on what it’s like to sit vigil with the dying, a taboo topic often shrouded in fear and dread…
(Click HERE to read Gloria’s full story—a 7-minute read)