My father died recently (cancer). Something spiritual seemed to happen as cancer progressed (virtually his family members would pray for something, the answer would come from other family members that were unaware of original prayer, my 4 year old would see "angels"/floating objects that followed family members, etc). Anyway, this seemed relevant to my father's preparation for death (he was angry with God and had some unfinished issues--these incidences eventually seemed to pave the way to acceptance/forgiveness of some sort.)
I'm desperate to understand how important religion is at death, or specific religions even. It seems that nurses often view patients of all faiths having similar positive visions. I'd really like to know if nurses (based on experience) feel a certain faith is necessary for a positive, spiritual/supernatural (talking to dead people, seeing angels, etc.) death experience . Or does it seem that "God" makes himself visible to all at death? And what about evil experiences (those that are fearful or see "demons")? Are these mostly seen in people afraid of death or that have unfinished business? And why are there so many ghost stories in allnurses? Could these be souls that didn't make it to the light? Or could they be real demons?
I know these are loaded questions, but I'm asking as many nurses as I can. ANY thoughts are helpful! Trying to understand my dad's death seems to be a major part of my healing process. I'm going crazy with these thoughts. URGGGH! If I discuss it with church members, I virtually hear : the good things are from God, all bad things (what's considered bad by their theology is from the devil). So if a Christian had a positive death and saw relatives than they went to heaven, but if an "unsaved person" had the same experience it is because the devil is tricking us.) Thus, I want to go to the people that witness death first hand.
Thanks so much.