Vigils: Planning & Care

A vigil is a quiet attendance, especially during normal sleeping hours, at the bedside of an actively dying person.  Usually performed in the last 24-48 hours, family members, caregivers, and friends take turns sitting and or praying in the hours leading up to and just beyond death.
Vigils are often exhausting, both physically and emotionally, therefore a plan eases the burden of that responsibility.  Vigils don’t have to be overwhelming.  I will assist you in planning every aspect of the vigil such as setting the atmosphere and scheduling, and will participate in the vigil, if so desired.  I truly believe that no one should die alone.  I feel honored when I get to bear witness to a life transition.  It is a difficult thing to witness, emotionally challenging and nerve-wracking.  My goal is to ease the transition for all involved.
Having a plan in place in advance eases the burden of caregivers, nurses, and family members.  Death, even expected, can linger.  Once engaged in the vigil, there must be acceptance of having entered the process of actively dying.  Sitting vigil can be one of the most precious moments we can offer a loved one.  It is very personal, and sitters should feel honored to have the opportunity.
During the vigil, there are several things sitters can do to ease the transition and forge cherished memories.  Touch, such as hair-brushing, lip balm, applying lotion, or simply hand-holding, can provide meaningful comfort.  Hearing is the last sense to go in the dying process, so talking, singing, or playing music can be beneficial.  
Vigils are a final act of love that we can give.