Ben Thompson
Nobody knows for sure what happens after death, but we all have our own theories.
While some of us many opt to think that passing away is a conclusive end to all consciousness, many think that life can continue after the final breath.
One person who counts herself as a firm believer in the afterlife is Julie McFadden.
Julie is a hospice nurse who has written a book - Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully - about her experiences working with people nearing the end of life.
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In one case, she talks about a woman called Juanita who was in her mid-80s.
Juanita lived with her adult son, Ricky, and her carer Marianna.
As per the Daily Mail, Julie says that the love between the three of them was 'strong' and she sensed Juanita wasn't dying anytime soon.
To Julie's shock, a week after she visited the home for an assessment, she got a call to inform her that Juanita had passed away.
Julie recalled: "I had just seen her and she'd been doing really well. There had been no signs that she was near death.
"When I got to the house, Marianna detailed the previous day for me.
"As they did every Sunday morning, she and Juanita had made blueberry muffins together.
"After an afternoon nap, Juanita joined Ricky and Marianna for dinner, then they watched TV and Marianna helped Juanita get ready for bed."
As Juanita was getting ready for bed, she said something that left Marianna shocked: "Thank you so much for caring for me. I love you so much."
"I love you, too," Marianna replied.
Juanita continued: "I'm really tired. I'm going to leave and go home.
"I'm tired, and I'm going home."
Despite Marianna's reassurance that Juanita was home, the old lady insisted that her carer promise she look after Ricky.
The next morning, when Marianna came into Juanita's room, she found that she'd died in her sleep.
Julie doesn't think everybody knows when they're going to pass, but among those that do, she's noticed three things.
She explained: "One, the person waits to die until every last one of their family members or friends arrives to be present with them.
"Two, the person waits to die until every last family member or friend leaves the room or the house.
"Three, the person waits to die until after a milestone - a birthday, Christmas, the arrival of a baby.
"All of these scenarios are so common, in my experience, and I've seen each of them play out many, many times."
Julie believes that some people have a sense to know when their time is near.
"Having witnessed so many deaths, I feel like I've had the privilege of seeing a veil being lifted as people are on their way to a place that feels like home," she wrote.
"Obviously, there's sadness, too, because people are grieving and losing a loved one. But watching the body take care of itself and feeling the energy in the room change after someone dies... if you can remain present, it can feel sacred.
"In many ways, it feels a lot like the wonder of birth. When a baby is born, there's an undeniable feeling of, 'That was magical!' That is how it can feel when you see someone taking their last breath.
"Since I was a little girl, I've always felt homesick for a place that I couldn't quite remember, and now I think I understand why.
"I think that when we die, we awaken in a place we've always known but had forgotten."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.