My uncle passed away on July 4. I held his hand, spoke to him, and rubbed his forehead continuously throughout the last hour or so. His pain level was high, sadly. I worked with the Hospice workers and they were in almost every hour to try more Morphine, Ativan, and another drug to lessen the 'drowning' effects of the pneumonia that he had, off and on, over the last week. They were so gentle and caring.
I have been with other dying patients and this was the roughest I have experienced, so far. Most have had a gentle journey.
My Aunt continues to need your prayers. She had to see things that I am sure she never wanted to see to get through this process. I am afraid that those memories may not leave her for a while.