I was 15
and in the 9th grade. During the afternoon of April 15, I noticed my lips and
ears felt swollen. The swelling continued into the evening, when my parents took
me to the Emergency Room. I was given Benedryl and sent home. By the next
morning my entire body was swollen. I tried to get dressed, but kept passing
out. I was in and out of consciousness as my parents rushed me to our doctor.
The last things that I remember were being carried into an examining room and
put on the table and hurting very much.
I heard a
rushing sound and then became aware of the room around me. I was looking down at
myself and my parents, who were holding one another and looked frightened. I
remember feeling an indescribable sense of peace--it was so profound and
complete it seemed as if I was swimming in it--as well as feeling very alive,
with no pain. I realized I was dying, but I felt so calm and relaxed about it! I
thought for a moment that Mom and Dad would be very sad, but I knew that they
would be alright, and that we would be together again. I became conscious of
presence near me; it felt feminine and very, very gentle. It, she, spoke to me,
but I don't recall much of what she said. I remember becoming aware of how much
I knew, as if I understood the workings of the universe. I heard the presence
tell me that all things would be plain to me. I then felt as much as saw a light
ahead, intense but not painful. I felt an overwhelming desire to go into it. At
the same time, I was aware of the doctor coming into the room and telling my
parents he was giving me a shot of adrenaline to keep my heart going. Everything
faded, and I became conscious of being in my body and in pain.
Was the
kind of experience difficult to express in words?
No
At the
time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening event?
Yes Allergic reaction to something that was never determined
At what
time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness and
alertness?
Soon after I was out of my body.
How did
your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience compare
to your normal every day consciousness and alertness?
More consciousness and alertness than normal
If your
highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience was different
from your normal every day consciousness and alertness, please explain:
I remember thinking that I knew so much about everything, and that everything
would soon be knowable.
Did your
vision differ in any way from your normal, everyday vision (in any aspect, such
as clarity, field of vision, colors, brightness, depth perception degree of
solidness/transparency of objects, etc.)?
Uncertain "Vision" seems only partially accurate. I felt that I was seeing
myself, my parents, and the room; but it wasn't exactly the same as visual
sight. It was as if I was "seeing" the reality of the time and place.
Did your
hearing differ in any way from your normal, everyday hearing (in any aspect,
such as clarity, ability to recognize source of sound, pitch, loudness, etc.)?
No
Did you
experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?
Yes
What
emotions did you feel during the experience?
Peace, Love, Joy
Did you
pass into or through a tunnel or enclosure?
No
Did you
see a light?
Yes I became aware of a light that seemed to have been there all
along--bright but not painful.
Did you
meet or see any other beings?
Yes I was aware of another person or being; it was feminine, and she spoke to
me. It was a feeling of presence, not really "seeing." She told me everything
would be alright, and that (when I thought about having so much knowledge) I
would know the secrets of the universe.
Did you
experience a review of past events in your life?
No
Did you
observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience that
could be verified later?
No
Did you
see or visit any beautiful or otherwise distinctive locations, levels or
dimensions?
No
Did you
have any sense of altered space or time?
Yes Time seemed irrelevant. My parents later said that only a minute or two
passed before I was given the injection; I seemed to experience so much more
than I could have in such a short time.
Did you
have a sense of knowing special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?
Yes I felt I knew so much, and would know so much more.
Did you
reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?
No
Did you
become aware of future events?
No
Did you
have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience you
did not have prior to the experience?
Uncertain I believe I was visited by my deceased father in a dream, and I've
felt my deceased sister from time-to-time. Several times I've had inexplicable
foreboding shortly before a serious event occurs.
Have
you shared this experience with others?
Yes I told my parents about it four or five years later, and my wife shortly
after we met (about seven years after the incident). They all responded very
positively. Later, my father had two experiences as well. I don't think they
were really influenced by my experience.
Did you
have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience?
No
How did
you view the reality of your experience shortly (days to weeks) after it
happened:
Experience was definitely real For days afterwards, I felt very calm and
happy. Life seemed to be less fragmented and chaotic.
Were
there one or several parts of the experience especially meaningful or
significant to you?
The sense of
peace and the presence of the other being or person have taken away the fear of
death. I find myself anticipating being there again.
How do
you currently view the reality of your experience:
Experience was definitely real Even after all these years, the
experience is as vivid as the day after it happened. I'm often able to lay
quietly and feel the echoes of it even now. It's been a source of comfort to me
over the years.
Have your
relationships changed specifically as a result of your experience?
No
Have
your religious beliefs/practices changed specifically as a result of your
experience?
Yes
My father was
an Episcopal priest, so I grew up in the church. This experience has made my
faith very real and immediate. And at times when I've doubted the tenets of the
faith, I think back on this experience and the doubts fade.
Following the
experience, have you had any other events in your life, medications or
substances which reproduced any part of the experience?
Uncertain
Insofar as I am able to recall the feelings, thoughts, and emotions when I
meditate or am quiet, yes. There haven't been any externally-caused experiences,
though.
Did the
questions asked and information you provided so far accurately and
comprehensively describe your experience?
Yes
Are
there any other questions we could ask to help you communicate your experience?
Thank you for the chance to tell my story!
