Over time, these experiences have given her a unique perspective on the dying process. According to Duncan, while every person\u2019s passing is different, certain patterns appear again and again\u2014moments that she describes as deeply emotional, sometimes mysterious, and often surprisingly peaceful.<\/p>\n
In recent years, Duncan has begun sharing some of these observations publicly on social media. Her educational videos on TikTok have attracted a large audience, as people around the world search for understanding about death, grief, and what their loved ones may experience in their final moments.<\/p>\n
One particular video sparked a powerful response from viewers because it focused on something many caregivers have quietly noticed but rarely discussed openly.<\/p>\n
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A movement often seen near the end of life<\/h3>\n
In the video, Duncan explained that many patients make a similar gesture as they approach death:\u00a0they reach upward<\/strong>, often lifting their arms toward the ceiling or stretching their hands out into the air.<\/p>\n She noted that this movement appears surprisingly often among people who are in the final stage of life.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom what I\u2019ve seen, this happens quite frequently,\u201d Duncan explained. \u201cSometimes you can actually watch someone lift their arms and reach upward, almost as if they\u2019re trying to take someone\u2019s hand or connect with something just above them.\u201d<\/p>\n For caregivers and family members witnessing the moment, it can feel emotional and puzzling at the same time.<\/p>\n Some patients move their hands slowly, as if they are trying to touch something invisible. Others extend their arms as though greeting someone who has just entered the room.<\/p>\n According to Duncan, these gestures are sometimes connected to what medical professionals refer to as\u00a0end-of-life visions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Patients who are still able to communicate often describe seeing someone nearby\u2014even though no one else in the room can see them.<\/p>\n \u201cMany people say they see someone,\u201d Duncan shared. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s a loved one who passed away earlier. Sometimes they say they see a pet, an angel, or a bright light.\u201d<\/p>\n In other cases, the person may not say anything at all, but they still reach outward or upward, as if sensing a presence close to them.<\/p>\n For families, these moments can be deeply meaningful. Some interpret them as spiritual experiences, while others view them as part of the brain\u2019s natural process during the final stage of life.<\/p>\n One detail Duncan emphasizes is that these moments rarely seem frightening to the patient.<\/p>\n In fact, quite the opposite is often true.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople usually appear very calm,\u201d she explained. \u201cIf anything, they seem comforted by what they\u2019re experiencing.\u201d<\/p>\n Instead of showing signs of panic or confusion, many individuals appear peaceful\u2014sometimes even smiling or speaking gently to the unseen figure they believe is present.<\/p>\n For families sitting at the bedside, witnessing this calmness can be reassuring. It suggests that their loved one may be experiencing a sense of comfort during their final moments.<\/p>\n Duncan describes these experiences as one of the most mysterious parts of end-of-life care.<\/p>\n Medical science does not yet fully understand why these visions occur. Some researchers believe they may be related to chemical changes in the brain as the body begins shutting down.<\/p>\n Others believe psychological factors, memories, or emotional needs could influence what patients perceive.<\/p>\n At the same time, many caregivers feel that the experiences carry a deeper emotional or spiritual significance for the individuals who are dying.<\/p>\n Duncan approaches the phenomenon with respect and humility.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s one of the most mysterious aspects of death that we have the privilege to witness as caregivers,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s incredibly humbling.\u201d<\/p>\n Because these moments can feel so meaningful, hospice professionals often encourage family members\u00a0not to interrupt or dismiss the experience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If a patient says they see someone in the room, caregivers typically respond with reassurance rather than correction.<\/p>\n The goal is not to argue about whether the vision is real, but to support the emotional comfort of the person who is dying.<\/p>\n For example, a caregiver might respond with gentle curiosity by asking questions like:<\/p>\n This approach helps maintain a peaceful environment and allows the patient to feel understood rather than confused or corrected.<\/p>\n After Duncan posted her video, thousands of viewers responded with personal stories of their own.<\/p>\n Many people said they had witnessed something remarkably similar when a parent, grandparent, or spouse passed away.<\/p>\n One commenter wrote that their father suddenly lifted both of his arms shortly before he died\u2014even though he had been too weak to move them earlier.<\/p>\n \u201cMy father raised both arms,\u201d the viewer wrote. \u201cBefore that moment, he couldn\u2019t lift them at all.\u201d<\/p>\n Another person described watching a loved one reach outward during their final moments and feeling that it was something sacred.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I saw it happening, I knew I shouldn\u2019t interrupt him,\u201d the commenter said. \u201cIt felt like a very important moment.\u201d<\/p>\n A third person expressed the experience in poetic terms, describing it as a moment that exists between two worlds.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the space in between,\u201d they wrote. \u201cWhat a gift it is to witness.\u201d<\/p>\nVisions many patients describe<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nPeace rather than fear<\/h3>\n
A mysterious part of the dying process<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nCaregivers learn to honor these moments<\/h3>\n
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Thousands of people shared similar stories<\/h3>\n