Death: differences before and after? (exist, philosophy, religion, funeral)

[SpidrAkirE]

Dear all,

Firstly, not sure if the philosophy and religion forum is where this thread is supposed to go so Moderators, please feel free to move it if necessary

Before going into detail about my query I'd like to mention that some of you may find this topic and my question distressing. In advance I'd like to apologize and hope you find some relief from your grief.

I'm interested in knowing if any of you have been present at a person or animal's death, or have seen someone just before and just after death. If so, what differences have you noticed: physical, energy-wise, are they the same person or is something missing? That kind of thing. It is often said that they "look as though they're sleeping". Has this been your experience?

Thank you so much and once again I'd like to apologize for any painful memories.

xxx



Extra information:
I ask this question because I'm in the process of writing a philosophy essay on the nature of reality. In The Metaphysics, Aristotle attempts to define substance, eventually concluding that this is essence. I am interested in trying to understand exactly what he means by essence. As one who has been present at another's death, I was curious to know how other people have found the experience. As much as I would love to describe my experience I wouldn't want the memories of your experience to be altered in any way; and so please message me if you would like.

Thank you again

[Charles]

I've had two dogs put to sleep. Not fun. they just collapse as all their muscles relax. From rigid and upright to relaxed and collapsed.

[Chango]

Yes, I've see dozens of people die.

It's ugly, but entirely physical. We're all just chunks of meat when it's all over... no magic, no strange feelings. And people only "look like they're sleeping" after the funeral home is done with them.

[achickenchaser]

I've been at the death bed of a few relatives of mine.

Before? Well, they're laying up in a hospital bed not doing so good. After? Well, they're dead. That's that. Sorry if I don't really have anything exciting to add to the topic.

The million dollar question is are they, the physical body, all there is to existence. Or is there more you after you're dead? Something besides the physical you that continues on. I lean towards no on that question, but perhaps you've seen something to prove otherwise.

I've also buried lots of animals. Nothing really special to it. Nothing to indicate they're still around after they're gone.

[J'aimeDesVilles]

I concur with the previous posters.

I was present at my mother's death, sort of. She was already brain-dead by the time we arrived at the hospital so I guess I wasn't present for her "real" death. Her body was kept "alive" artificially until the family got there and made the decision to "pull the plug".

The only difference I really remember is the change in color. She went from a pale-pink before to a pale-gray after. The thing that struck me was how quickly. It was probably only seconds, definitely less than a minute after she "flatlined" that her color changed or drained (probably a better word). Definitely did not look like she was sleeping!