Raymond Mankowitz lay dying in his bed. At 95 years old, he had been sequestered in his room for nearly a week as hospice care gently guided his transition. His loved ones gathered, three generations deep – children, grandkids, and great-grandkids all paid their respects in his final days.

Koko, the Bahamian hospice nurse often said that the “spirit wouldn’t leave until it says its goodbyes”. She told stories of patients who waited days or weeks to pass just until they could say...