Sitting Vigil

“Sitting vigil” is the act of being physically present at someone’s bedside as they are in the final days or hours of life. It is a time to provide quiet companionship, emotional support, and a peaceful atmosphere for someone journeying from life to death. Whether as a family member, friend, or service provider, sitting vigil with a dying person assures them that they will not die alone—a common fear for many. Sitting vigil is a time for observation, gentle interaction, and reassurance for those transitioning and for their human and animal companions who may not know what to do or how to react during this process.

Final Chapter sits vigil in three different ways: as companion and guide to family and friends who are also sitting vigil; as respite companion to the dying person where a family member or friend needs time away from the vigil for self-care; or as a sole companion at times when no friend, family member, or clergy is available. In some cases, the dying person will have left instructions for how persons keeping vigil should conduct themselves. In all other situations, those sitting vigil are encouraged to do whatever feels natural: talk softly to the dying person, read to them from the Bible, a book they loved, or poetry you love, read to yourself, hum, sing, play a musical instrument, play recorded music, knit, use therapeutic touch or light massage, or simply remain in the room as a comforting presence.

Vigil is a practice rooted in tradition and spirituality, offering both the dying and their loved ones a sense of peace, connection, and dignity.