Working in end-of-life care often brings moments of deep sorrow, but also quiet awe. One hospice nurse, Katie Duncan, has shared a moving experience she frequently observes in her work with dying patients—a small but powerful gesture many make just before passing away.
Katie, a nurse practitioner and “passing away care coach” from Maryland, has spent years supporting individuals in their final days across ICUs, hospices, and long-term care. Over time, she’s noticed a recurring behavior she describes as both touching and mysterious.
In a recent TikTok video, Katie spoke about what she sees as a “mystical” part of the dying process: patients often begin reaching upward, as if trying to grasp something invisible above them.
“It’s surprisingly common,” she said. “You’ll see someone raise their arm like they’re reaching for a hand or trying to touch something unseen.”
This gesture is sometimes accompanied by end-of-life visions. According to Katie, people often report seeing deceased loved ones, pets, angels, or a bright light. In other cases, they may remain silent while still reaching upward, as if sensing a presence.
Though there’s no scientific explanation, many in palliative care view these experiences as a gentle part of dying. Katie emphasized that patients usually appear calm and at peace during these moments. “They’re not afraid,” she said. “These visions seem to bring a sense of comfort.”
She added, “It’s one of the most mysterious and beautiful things we witness as caregivers. It’s incredibly humbling.”
Katie’s video resonated with many online, with viewers sharing similar stories.
“My father reached up with both hands,” one person wrote. “Before that, he couldn’t even move them.”
Another added, “It’s the in-between space. Being there to see it is a gift.”
Many agreed: “They’re reaching for heaven,” one commenter said. “I didn’t dare interrupt—it felt sacred,” said another.