Death appears to be a process rather than a single event in time and may be heralded by deathbed phenomena such as visions that comfort the dying and help to prepare them for death. On behalf of prominent neuropsychiatric Peter Fenwick, Ineke Koedam, an experienced hospice worker, researched these ‘end-of-life- experiences’. She interviewed fellow hospice workers in various hospices and bundled their experiences together in this unique book.

A dying man who clearly sees his deceased wife and even can talk with her. A dying woman, confused and hardly responsive, who experiences a bright moment when she sees her old friend. End-of-life experiences are -without exception – miraculous.

In The Light of Death the author shows that these moments are significant and essential for the dying themselves, their families and caregivers. Koedam believes they indicate a transition to another form of existence. We do not exactly know what the dying are going through internally, however Koedam’s research demonstrates that devoted and open minded spiritual care is very important. By developing more openness and understanding for these personal end-of-life experiences, there will be room for the needs of the dying. This allows us to support them even better in the process of acceptance and surrender. In the light of death is informative, comforting and helpful at a time when many people are afraid of dying.

Ineke Koedam (1963 -) has been a guide in death and bereavement for over 12 years and is a former Hospice Coordinator (2003-2008). Since 2003 she has her own practice for death and bereavement. Her extensive experience in caring for the dying and their families led to an increased range of training for caregivers in terminal care. Since 2010 Ineke has been connected to the Foundation STEM as a freelance trainer (Dutch equivalent for Dying Matters in the UK).

From 2009 to 2011 she carried out, on behalf of the eminent neuropsychiatrist Peter Fenwick, research on so-called ‘end-of-life experiences ‘.

She is the author of In the Light of Death, Experiences on the Threshold Between Life and Death, and A different view on Organ Donation. Explorations of the dying process. (Published in the Netherlands)

Ineke speaks and writes about dying, death and organ donation. She participates in the advisory board of the Dutch Foundation Reflection Organ Donation. She is a fellow of In Claritas.

Ineke can be found here.