Last tear...is it physical or emotional?

Published Dec 26, 2004

82 Posts

A friend of mine passed away last month after a hard fought battle with cancer. Her daughter was at her bedside when she passed and said that there was one tear that fell down her cheek the moment she passed away. When my grandpa died 5 years ago, my grandma said the same thing...there was one tear that fell when he passed. I've noticed the "last tear" on a couple of my patients that passed.

My question: Is the "last tear" a physical response from the body as it lets go or is it an emotional response from the person?

In the case of my friend and my grandpa, both were unable to eat or drink their last few days of life. They were both dehydrated so I'm thinking the last tear was an emotional response. My reasoning is that their bodies were very dehydrated, therefore the body wouldn't just release tears as it would need to hold on to the fluid. Yes, it sounds dumb and not very scientific, but I'm believing it's the person's emotional response to leaving their loved ones behind.

If it is indeed a physical response, what is the "scientific" or medical reason why it happens?

Thanks in advance!