My stepfather died in a community hospital. My sister and I were told he would die within a day or so – we saw him sitting up and chatting. We had returned two hours later, ready to stay for the weekend. He was not able to communicate with us and barely breathing. We held his hand and talked, he drew what we thought was his final breath. We went to get the staff nurse. He looked, and “hmmmd” and said, ‘I will get my stethoscope”, then he looked and “hmmmd” and said, “I will get my mirror,” three times he left us alone, confused and unsure. I know it’s not an exact science – but so difficult!
