“hold themselves alive until some special day or event”
Dad did, about a week before he died was his birthday, a bunch of old buddies from church drove about an hour to come see him that day. Mom said Dad was his old self which he had not been for about 6 months. He said it was one of the best days of his life. Which lasted about a week longer.
I miss you Dad
I’ve worked in three nursing homes in my life and know there is such a thing as ‘’the will to live’’.
I’ve seen 90 year olds, wishing to see a great grandchild be born or a grandchild marry so they hang in there.
And when the event is over, they let go.
They give up the ghost.