The Last Thing to Go – by  Lynn Rosenthal

This is a hard article to write yet if it helps one person…it’s worth it. For those of you who have a loved one in Hospice OR who have a loved one who is in a state of what seems like “unconsciousness” while they are in the process of “transitioning” and you are wondering if they know you are there or if they “hear” you…please read this article.

I have been involved in a volunteer program called “NODA” – No One Dies Alone.  This enables me to have the privilege to sit with patients in Hospice who are all alone for whatever the reason. Sometimes it entails me reading to them, playing soft, comforting music, talking to them, citing scripture, sitting with them quietly but most important, letting them know that they are not alone and someone is there for them and with them during this incredibly difficult time.

This past week I had the fortune of sitting with another patient.  I arrived at the Hospice floor around 5 a.m. each day and stayed until about 7:15 a.m. and then I had to go to my day job and other NODA volunteers took their turn with this patient.  I went back to the hospital after work and sat with the patient some more when no other volunteers were scheduled so this man would not be alone.

Last week, after sitting with this particular patient for four days, he showed very little signs of being “conscious” and was getting progressively worse. After I left Friday afternoon I had a bad feeling that something was just not right. I checked the schedule to make sure there would be a volunteer with him as I promised him he would NOT die alone and someone (whether myself or another volunteer) would be by his side.

Early Saturday morning (around 3:30 a.m.) I could not sleep as something was bothering me about this situation.  I called the hospital and his nurse answered the phone, told me she was so glad I called because this man suddenly took a turn for the worse.  His breathing was very erratic now and he was not doing good at all.  She asked if I could come down immediately and I told her I was on the way.  She said not to be surprised if he was not alive by the time I got there but to drive carefully.

I arrived at the hospital about 20 minutes later and both her and I walked in the patient’s room together.  I was terrified at what we would find.  The nurse looked at me and nodded affirmatively that the patient was still alive. We both let out a sigh of relief.

I stayed with this patient for the next 6 hours until the next NODA volunteer was scheduled to be there at 10 a.m. Unfortunately, she failed to show so I asked permission from the Chaplain in charge of the NODA program if I could stay with this man longer and I was able to do that with no problem at all.  I kept talking to the man, telling him that he’s going to a really beautiful place, not to be scared, he’s going to be in great hands and to not worry about a thing.  I told him he was safe and I then noticed something I hadn’t seen in days.  This man OPENED his eyes and was looking at me with the sweetest expression on his face!  I was startled at first but continued talking to him and asked him if he knew I was there with him.  I asked him to blink once if he did AND HE BLINKED ONCE!  He actually blinked once.  It was the most special moment; one I will never forget.   He knew I was there and that he wasn’t alone.  He followed my movements with his eyes so I knew he was aware that I was there.  He could not speak but he knew – he knew he was not alone and that someone cared.

So…for those of you dealing with a similar situation, I was told the hearing is the last thing to go for someone transitioning.  While, of course, everyone is different this may be proof that your loved one can hear you and that you are making a difference, even if they don’t show visible signs.  Again, YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!  Your presence is making a difference.

Shortly after this man opened his eyes, his breathing began to get more shallow and I kept talking with him, again reassuring him that everything was okay and he was going to be safe and to not be afraid. I had a strange feeling it would not be long before he took his last breath.

About 20 minutes later, I witnessed this man take his last breath and I will never forget it.  He looked at peace and most important, he knew he was not alone.

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 The Author

LRosenthal563@aol.com

Lynn Rosenthal is a Detroit-area freelance writer who has spent three decades in the legal field.  She is married to George Hunter who has covered crime for The Detroit News for over two decades.

Rosenthal and her husband co-authored “The Sadist, The Hitman and the Murder of Jane Bashara, a true-crime book about a man who had his wife killed so he could live his BDSM lifestyle.

Rosenthal also wrote “Promises of Pennies from Heaven” which is about one woman’s journey of pain and perseverance after losing her mother and father in the space of two years.

Rosenthal had also written for The Detroit Jewish News.

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About NODA

The No One Dies Alone (NODA) program at Corewell Health (formerly Beaumont) provides compassionate companionship to patients in their final hours who lack family or friends nearby. Volunteers, trained to offer a dignified presence, sit with these patients, ensuring they are not alone in their transition.

• Program Overview: NODA was implemented at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital (Royal Oak) in 2014 and redesigned in 2019 to offer support to dying patients.
• Volunteer Role: Volunteers provide a, calming,, and supportive presence at the bedside.
• Training & Requirements: Training is provided to prepare volunteers for the experience.
• Impact: The program aims to honor the end of life by ensuring no one dies alone, offering a profound experience for both the patient and the volunteer.

Next training opportunity:

Saturday, May 30, 2026 • 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

William Beaumont University Hospital | Royal Oak, MI

No One Dies Alone (NODA) is a volunteer program that provides a reassuring presence to dying patients who would otherwise be alone.

Presented by the Spiritual Care department, an orientation and training session will be offered for individuals interested in becoming a NODA volunteer.

• This is a public, community-wide training. No prior experience is necessary.

• You may or may not wish to volunteer once you complete training. There is no obligation.

• To become a volunteer, there are additional requirements and onboarding procedures.

• Registration Fee: $20 (includes light breakfast, lunch, snacks, and training workbook).

• Flu vaccine (or approved religions exemption) is required during flu season. COVID vaccine is optional.

Register online: www.onlineregistrationcenter.com/NODA0426

Registration closes May 24, 2026

“No One Dies Alone” Volunteer Training

FOR MORE INFORMATION

EMAIL kevin.hickey@corewellhealth.org