Experience description:
I was asleep at my
Grandmother's house. I was sleeping with her, in her bed. I suddenly awoke,
struggling to breathe. I had asthma all of my life, so this was not particularly
new or shocking to me, especially at my Grandmother's house. She had a cat and I
often had asthma attacks when visiting her.
I tried to
sit up and ask her to get my inhaler, but I couldn't. I suddenly realized that I
was dying and there was nothing I could do about it. I was not frightened in any
way, but had brief thought that I didn't want my Grandmother to wake up and find
my dead, in the bed with her. I knew that would be very traumatic for her. That
was my last thought before my spirit left my body.
The next
thing I saw was myself lying lifelessly next to my Grandmother in the bed. I
could see the whole room and even remember seeing the clock, it was 4:37am. Then
I began to ascend through the ceiling and to the outside. I could see the entire
neighborhood by looking around. I could see what lights were on in the neighbors
houses and the night sky above me. Then very quickly I started moving toward the
sky. It seemed the further I went, the faster I was traveling. The stars seemed
to moving very quickly past me. And then I saw a bright light.
The light
I saw was one that could never be described with words. It was not like any
light I had ever seen here. If there was a light here as bright as the light I
saw that night it would surely be blinding. But instead, this was the brightest,
softest, most white, peaceful light I have ever seen and have not seen anything
close since. I quickly moved through this light and then I seemed to slow down
and saw a presence in the light. I believe this to have been God. I remember
thinking how awesome this was, and how peaceful and that I never wanted to leave
this place. However, I there was a conversation that ensued and though I don't
remember to complete content of it, I do remember asking why I had to go back
and why I could not stay. I knew I did not want to leave this place for any
reason. I still to this day do not know what the answer was to my question. All
I know is that I was told that I had to go back.
I then
turned away and began my journey back. It was similar to what I had experienced
when it all began. But it seemed to take even less time to return. I then
re-entered my physical body, and sat up in the bed. I was very short of breath,
and very aware of what had happened. But I didn't understand why I had come back
from where I had been. I was amazed that this had happened to me and wondered
why it had happened. I wanted to wake my Grandmother and tell her about it, but
I figured she would think I was just dreaming. So I got up and found my inhaler.
I used it and sat down to think about and try to remember the conversation that
I had while there. But it never became clear and still hasn't.
I didn't
tell anyone about this for years. And still, I have only told a few select
people. Sometimes I think maybe I should tell everyone and then there are times
I think, everyone would think I am crazy. All I know for sure is that it was the
most awesome thing that has ever happened to me and probably will remain to be
until my actual death. I am not afraid of death and I actually look forward to
it. There is so much peace to look forward to.
Any
associated medications or substances with the potential to affect the
experience?
No
Was
the kind of experience difficult to express in words?
Yes There
are just no words that can explain the feelings or emotions, the brightness of
light, the speed in which I traveled. It is just very difficult to describe in
words many aspects of this event.
At
the time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening
event?
Uncertain
I believe that I had an asthma attack that stopped my breathing. I was in bed at
the time and was not in a clinical environment, so there is no clinical proof of
this. But I knew that I was dying and there was nothing I could do about it.
What
was your level of consciousness and alertness during the experience?
I was
very alert, however physically I don't know if I was conscious the entire time.
Was the
experience dream like in any way?
No. It was very
real and I knew everything that was happening. Although you might think this
could only happen in a dream.
Did
you experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?
Yes I could
see myself and everything around me. I was above my body and in no way connected
to it any longer.
What
emotions did you feel during the experience?
I was just
overwhelmed with peace and joy, and in a way excitement. I couldn't believe it
was happening to me.
Did
you hear any unusual sounds or noises?
No.
LOCATION DESCRIPTION:
Did you recognize any familiar locations or any locations from familiar
religious teachings or encounter any locations inhabited by incredible or
amazing creatures?
No
response I believe I was at the gates of Heaven, but did not actually see
Heaven. I believe I was in the presence of God. And for whatever reason had to
return to Earth.
Did
you see a light?
Yes The
light is not easily described with words. As I stated before, it was the
brightest, most white light I have ever seen. I do not believe there is a way to
describe it.
Did
you meet or see any other beings?
Yes There
was only a presence of image in the light, or at the end of the light. Though I
could not recognize it by sight, I was very comforted by being with it and I
knew that we knew each other and I was safe and protected. The only
communication I remember was that I had to return to Earth and I did not want
to. I asked to stay and was told I could not. I do not remember any other
conversation, and have always wondered why I had to come back.
Did
you experiment while out of the body or in another, altered state?
No
Did
you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience
that could be verified later?
No
Did
you notice how your 5 senses were working, and if so, how were they
different?
No
response I could see, but other than that, I did not notice any other
senses.
Did
you have any sense of altered space or time?
Yes I
traveled in such a manner that I know the time was altered. I saw the clock when
I left my body, but I did not see it when I returned. I know it was 4:37am when
I left. And when I got up out of bed it was about 5:00am. It was certainly an
altered space and time, but I do not know how to describe that.
Did
you have a sense of knowing, special knowledge, universal order and/or
purpose?
Yes I knew
that I was in the presence of God and felt this was the most powerful and most
awesome of all beings. This was what the universe was about and nothing else
mattered.
Did
you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?
Yes I was
not allowed any further than where I was. I wanted stay, enter, or go past where
I was, but I couldn't. I was just told I had to return and even though I asked
not to, I did.
Did
you become aware of future events?
No
Were
you involved in or aware of a decision regarding your return to the body?
Yes
I was aware of it and knew I had to return to it. I knew that it was not my
decision after asking to stay. If it had been my decision, I would not have
returned.
Did
you have any changes of attitudes or beliefs following the experience?
Yes I felt
like I had a reason for being here but didn't know what it was. I knew that I
would not be afraid to die when the time comes, but it did not change my
beliefs.
How
has the experience affected your relationships? Daily life? Religious practices?
Career choices?
I don't know
that the experience has affected any of these things other than, I prayed more
for guidance in knowing what it was I was supposed to do here. I have always
felt like I had a purpose since the experience but felt very frustrating in not
knowing exactly what it was, or is.
Has
your life changed specifically as a result of your experience?
Uncertain
I don't know specifically if it has changed, but I do know that I am thankful to
have experienced what I did. I would not trade this for anything I have
experienced in life thus far. I do have a 2 year old daughter now, and I was
shown when I was pregnant that she has special purpose here. So, I assume that
was my reason for having to return, was to have her.
Have
you shared this experience with others?
Yes Though
I have not shared this with very many, most of them thought it to be very
interesting and thought that I should share it with more people. Most said they
wish they could experience something similar and say that I am lucky that I did.
What is interesting to me is, that I have had several people ask me if I have
had an experience like this, without knowing anything about me. And they told me
they could tell that I was "one of those people". One person who asked me this,
I did not even meet in person, he was a customer of mine on the phone at one of
my jobs. A couple of them had had similar experiences and one had not.
What
emotions did you experience following your experience?
I felt many
emotions after this happened. The most being saddened that I had to leave such a
wonderful peace. But also I was confused about what I was supposed to being
doing with my life and if I should tell anyone about what had happened to me.
What
was the best and worst part of your experience?
There was
nothing bad about it, other than knowing that I had to return and not knowing
why it happened. Everything else about it was great. I think it is the most
joyful, peaceful, awesome thing that has ever happened to me.
Is
there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience?
The only
thing I can add, is to tell everyone that there is no reason to fear death, if
you know God. It is the most beautiful, greatest peace you will ever experience.
There is life after death, and with the power of God, it can be your greatest
reward.
Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life,
medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience?
No
Did
the questions asked and information you provided accurately and comprehensively
describe your experience?
Yes The
questions asked were very helpful in trying to describe this experience. Even
though it is hard to describe under any circumstance, the questions you asked
made it relatively easier.
