Three Magical Phrases to Comfort a Dying Person (2024)

FAQs

Three Magical Phrases to Comfort a Dying Person? ›

That's when I repeat the Three Magic Phrases in reverse order. We will be okay. You will not feel pain. You will not be alone.

Speak soothing words

“I love you, always.” “I'm here for you, no matter what.” “You're not alone; we're in this together.”

Remember that it's normal for them to express strong feelings and emotions. If you're at a loss for words, sometimes simple phrases like "I love you," "thank you," or "I forgive you" can give them the comfort they need at the end of life. Angela Morrow, RN, BSN, CHPN, is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse.

Visit with the person. Talk or read to them, even if they can't talk back. If they can talk, listen attentively to what they have to say without worrying about what you will say next. Your presence can be the greatest gift you can give to a dying person.

Avoid talking in an overly optimistic way, for example, “You'll be up in no time”. Such comments block the possibility of discussing how they're really feeling – their anger, fears, faith etc. Apologise if you think you've said the wrong thing. Let them know if you feel uncomfortable.

Talk about memories and accomplishments. Share memories of joyous occasions. Start the conversation with, “Remember when …” Listen and be attentive while the dying person is sharing.

"Please, Sorry, and Thank You" are the three magic words. The significance of these three magical phrases is sometimes overlooked. We seldom use these terms because we are unaware of their importance. These three words are the golden words of being polite.

Physical signs of dying

Facial muscles may relax and the jaw can drop. Skin can become very pale. Breathing can alternate between loud rasping breaths and quiet breathing. Towards the end, dying people will often only breathe periodically, with an intake of breath followed by no breath for several seconds.

A conscious dying person can know if they are on the verge of dying. Some feel immense pain for hours before dying, while others die in seconds. This awareness of approaching death is most pronounced in people with terminal conditions such as cancer.

How do you cheer up a dying person? ›

The first organ system to “close down” is the digestive system. Digestion is a lot of work! In the last few weeks, there is really no need to process food to build new cells. That energy needs to go elsewhere.

Rather, patients speak of relationships with the people they love and who love them; what life means to them and how they might be remembered; the reality of death; their hope that they won't be a burden to others; their worry about how those they are leaving behind will manage without them; and a fear of the process ...

Dying people want to hear four very specific messages from their loved ones, says palliative-care physician Ira Byock, author of The Four Things That Matter Most: “Please forgive me.” “I forgive you.” “Thank you.” “I love you.”

Saying goodbye is a personal experience, so do what is right for you. When you feel you are ready, consider how you will say goodbye. You might set aside a time to talk to each person individually. Or, if you are physically up to it, you might have a gathering for friends and family.

Ms McFadden is often around death due to her job and revealed that the most common thing people say right before they die is 'I love you,' and that they often call out to their mom or dad, who have usually already passed away.

Three Magic Words... know, like, trust.

The Magic Words....

The building blocks of proper etiquette and good manners begin with the magic words "please", "thank you", "you're welcome" and "I'm sorry". These are the words and phrases that should be taught to children from an early age.

Moribund means "near death," but it can also mean something that is coming to an end, nearly obsolete, or stagnant.