Actually, the subject is quite pertinent and the method of reporting isn’t quite fantastical or illogical. A group of doctors in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, conducted a survey of what people reported just before they passed away. The overall finding was that about 40% reported seeing their parents and other such deceased people before dying themselves. The subjects perceived them as coming to meet and escort them into the afterlife, resulting in a more comfortable transition into death.

In 2011, doctors and university researchers surveyed family members who were caring for their relatives at their time of death. One of the survey items asked whether the patient reported seeing, hearing, or feeling the presence of someone not visible to others in the room. Of 541 respondents to the survey, 42% answered, “Yes”. The persons perceived by the patient was most commonly their deceased parents or other similar individuals. Others perceived other types of people, Buddha, or some kind of light. After experiencing the presence of such an “escort”, many subjects became less anxious about death, and with more people indicating that it was a positive experience than negative.

While there haven’t been many proper studies regarding this pre-death experience of “escorts”, especially recently, many caregivers and hospice workers probably can attest to the ubiquity as well as impact of such experiences.

“Many people are, in fact, frightened by the visions, usually because they think they are going crazy. Apparently, once people learn that such visions are normal they feel great relief.

Some are disturbed by their visions because they are not yet ready to die. There may be unfinished business, unresolved issues, or fear. It can be helpful to reassure these patients that it is OK for them to let go. Caregivers can listen to what the patient is saying about his or her own death, and allow the patient to express any fears or say goodbye.

Many are actually calmed and reassured by their pre-death visions, and want to remember them. The visions often help people willingly and peacefully embrace their own death.” (Inside the Minds of the Dying)

Another point to consider is the concern and confusion of family members, when hearing of such experiences from their dying loved one:

“Hospice workers and healthcare providers are often confronted with a number of questions from confused family members, such as ‘What about wishful thinking, related to a fear of death? Maybe my loved one is imagining all of this?’” (Departing Or Death Bed Visions: (FAQ))

Source:yomiuri.co.jp(Japanese)