A hospice nurse with extensive experience, who has witnessed over 100 deaths, has revealed the common last words of the dying spoken by individuals in their final moments. Her insights aim to alleviate the fear surrounding death and provide a deeper understanding of the dying process.
Nurse Julie McFadden, renowned for her work in end-of-life care, has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate the final stages of life. Alongside her professional work, Julie has authored a book and built a significant social media presence, focusing on themes of death and dying.
Julie emphasizes the naturalness of dying and encourages people to view it as a part of life rather than something to fear. Through her TikTok account, which has garnered over 1.5 million followers, she shares her experiences and thoughts on the beauty of the human body’s natural transition at the end of life.
The Common Last Words and Regrets of the Dying
During her career in hospice care and the ICU, Julie has observed two prevalent regrets shared by individuals nearing the end of life. The first common regret she has heard is: “I wish I didn’t spend so much time working.” This reflects a universal sentiment about prioritizing meaningful connections over career-driven pursuits.
The second and even more common regret concerns health. Julie shared, “The biggest thing I hear from people is, ‘I wish I would have appreciated my health.’” She highlights how good health often goes unnoticed until illness or aging diminishes it, leaving individuals yearning for the well-being they once had.
Practicing Gratitude Inspired by Her Patients
Witnessing such profound sentiments has inspired Julie to adopt a gratitude practice in her daily life. She keeps a nightly gratitude list to remind herself of life’s simple blessings. “I like the fact that I can breathe, I’m walking around, I can feel the sunshine – little things like that,” she shared.
Julie believes her work and the insights she has gained are crucial in preparing people to face the dying process—whether with a loved one or personally. Her mission is to educate people about what to expect and how to embrace life fully while they can.
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