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**Before Their Final Breath, They Shared Words That Could Transform How We Live—and Love**
Over the course of her career, hospice nurse Jackie McFadden has witnessed something profoundly moving. More than 100 patients approaching the end of their lives spoke their last thoughts, and in those fragile, fleeting moments, Jackie began to notice a powerful pattern emerge.
What people say on the edge of death—whispers of love, buried regrets, heartfelt longings, and even sudden moments of startling clarity—reveals truths about living that most of us never pause to consider.
What do we truly think about when we face the end? And how might those final words challenge us to rethink the way we live our own lives?
### Peering Into the Final Chapter: Lessons from a Hospice Nurse
Life and death are inseparable journeys, intertwined with profound emotion and mystery. Few have the privilege or the burden to witness the intimate closing moments of another person’s life, but Jackie McFadden has chosen to open this rare window for us. Through her social media platform, where she has amassed over 2.5 million followers, Jackie shares the heartfelt stories and last words of those she cares for, inviting the world to engage in a conversation about death that is too often hushed or feared.
Jackie’s mission is clear: to destigmatize death and to help people embrace it as a natural part of life. In a recent heartfelt interview on the “Disruptors” podcast hosted by Rob Moore, she revealed one of the tender rituals she shares with her patients. On many quiet nights, they sit together in soft candlelight, and Jackie asks them what they are grateful for.
The answers are simple yet profound—gratitude for the ability to breathe freely, to feel the sun’s warmth on their skin, or to walk even a few steps. These small blessings, so easily taken for granted, become treasures as life nears its fragile close.
Jackie also candidly admits that despite her intimate awareness of life’s delicate nature, she sometimes forgets to be grateful herself. “Working with the dying daily reminds me how miraculous it is that our bodies keep going, often against all odds,” she reflects. She emphasizes how our biology is designed with incredible resilience, gently carrying us through the unpredictable journey of life and gradually guiding us toward its inevitable end.
### The Final Words: What They Teach Us About Living
Jackie’s recounting of patients’ final words is nothing short of a profound mirror held up to humanity. Many speak of regrets—not for missed opportunities in wealth or career—but for the simpler things: not having told loved ones “I love you” enough, not having forgiven sooner, or not having savored the small joys of everyday life. Others express a surprising peace, having made their farewells and found meaning in the connections they forged.
Her upcoming book, *Nothing to Fear*, dives deep into these reflections, offering guidance for those who face death themselves or who stand beside someone dying. Jackie’s goal is to dismantle fear and replace it with understanding, compassion, and acceptance. “When we know what to expect, the unknown becomes less terrifying,” she explains. Her words serve as a bridge between life and death, helping people navigate one of life’s most challenging transitions with dignity and grace.
### From ICU to Hospice: A Journey That Shaped Belief
Before devoting herself to hospice care, Jackie worked in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where death was also a frequent and stark reality. These years shaped her perspective and eventually deepened her belief in an afterlife. Witnessing countless final moments, she encountered a spiritual dimension that many might overlook—a quiet presence, a sense of peace that transcends the physical world.
Jackie’s belief isn’t rooted in any one religion but rather in a profound sense of hope and the enduring nature of love. This belief offers comfort not only to her patients but to their families and to the countless followers who turn to her for insight and solace.
### The Stark Truths About Dying in America
Jackie does not shy away from the difficult realities surrounding death, especially in the United States, where socioeconomic inequality deeply affects end-of-life experiences. “Wealth can buy comfort in dying,” she admits with a heavy heart. While many families struggle under the enormous emotional and financial weight of caregiving, only a privileged few have consistent access to high-quality palliative care. This disparity creates heartbreaking consequences and highlights a societal gap in how we honor life’s final stage.
Jackie’s advocacy extends beyond storytelling—she strives to educate the public on recognizing the signs that death is near. Through her widely viewed social media videos, she teaches how to identify subtle but telling changes like irregular breathing patterns, shifts in skin color, and decreased responsiveness. This knowledge empowers families to prepare and support their loved ones more compassionately.
### A Call to Live More Fully and Love More Deeply
More than a witness to death, Jackie McFadden is a messenger of life. Her patients’ final words compel us to slow down, to appreciate the everyday moments and the relationships that truly define us. In a world fixated on achievement and accumulation, she reminds us that what endures is love, connection, and kindness—the intangible gifts that give our existence meaning.
Whether it’s embracing health when it’s abundant, making peace with estranged family members, or simply cherishing the breath in our lungs, Jackie’s work challenges us all to live with greater intention and gratitude.
Her message is simple yet profound: Life is fleeting and fragile, but it is also incredibly beautiful. When the end comes, it won’t be the things we owned or the status we achieved that matter most—it will be the love we gave and the memories we leave behind.
So if someone has shown you kindness or love, don’t wait—tell them. If you have the opportunity to express gratitude or forgiveness, seize it. Because the final words we leave behind may be the most important words of all.