Death Quote by Edwidge Danticat
““Hearing, they say, is one of the last senses to go. My mother smiled. I tearfully asked her, "Mommy, can you see heaven?" She smiled again. Then she was gone. There was no death rattle, no sudden in-breath or out-breath. She simply stopped breathing. She smiled and slipped away. Smiling while dying is apparently not that unusual. The body tries to produce a state of euphoria to usher us out. It releases the same kinds of neurochemicals, dopamine and serotonin, that flood our brains as we are falling in love.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Dew Breaker by Edwidge Danticat, 2004
The dying process can trigger a euphoric, smile‑filled state as the brain releases love‑like chemicals, making death seem less frightening.
In simple terms: Dying may cause a happy, calm smile due to brain chemicals.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that smiles at death can be a natural neurochemical response.
Themes
death
neurochemistry
emotion
grief
acceptance
Mood
reflective
calm
empathetic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- hospital bedside
- palliative care
- family loss
- end‑of‑life counseling
Key Concepts
dopamine
serotonin
euphoria
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does knowing this change your view of dying?
- What can caregivers do to support this natural response?
A Different Perspective
The experience varies; not everyone smiles, and cultural expectations may affect perception.
