EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTION:
Going into the operating room I had an unusual amount of peace. I was joking
with the staff and doctors. I had no fear at all.
I remember counting
backwards from 10, but don't remember what number I got to. It was several days
later that I began to remember what happened during the operation. And only a
few days ago I first shared it with my wife in fear of being considered a nut.
I remember standing
about 10 feet up and 10 feet to the side of my body on the table. A person was
standing next to me, but I didn't look at him/her. I had no fear, or questions
to ask, I just observed.
Around the table were
at least a dozen nurses and doctors. But what was so emotional was the presence
of white people that I can only describe as angels. Each angel was guiding the
hands of the staff they were standing next to.
I heard no noise, no
voices, no music. It was peacefully quiet.
I don't remember
details to specific, such as what tools were used, or the exact position of my
body, but only because I was focused so much on the angels guiding the staff in
everything they did, from walking, to the use of the tools within my chest
cavity.
Even after the
operation, I still had an unusual peace and no fear. The doctor said it was the
best operation he had ever gone through, there were no problems at all, and he
was impressed at my rate of recovery.
I
was released from the hospital only 14 days after having my chest opened,
deflated lungs, and patched esophagus.
Was
the kind of experience difficult to express in words?
Uncertain It was peaceful, but makes me emotional. I get teared up when I
think about it. Not in a bad way, but in a "Thank God!" way.
At
the time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening event?
Yes Perforated esophagus. Pre-existing hole torn by food lodged in
the hole. Doctor found air, spit, and food sitting on my heart. Chest cavity
should have been infected, but no infection was found. Doctor told me I had less
than 1% chance of living through the operation (afterwards!!). And less than 40%
chance of living past one year.
At
what time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness
and alertness?
The whole time I had the experience, my level of consciousness was the same. I
was only paying serious attention to the angels and their guiding.
How
did your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience
compare to your normal every day consciousness and alertness?
Less 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:
The whole time I had the experience, my level of consciousness was the same. I
was only paying serious attention to the angels and their guiding.
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 Besides the fact that I was standing in mid air, not hovering,
and there was no ceiling (at least none that I remember), everything was in
color, and the primary light came from the operating room lights.
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.)?
Yes there was no sound. Peaceful to me is no sound, it was
peaceful.
Did
you experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?
Uncertain
What emotions did you feel during the experience?
Peace and lack of fear. Nor did I have any questions or comments to
the angel next to me. I knew not to bother the angels.
Did
you pass into or through a tunnel or enclosure?
No
Did
you see a light?
No
Did
you meet or see any other beings?
Yes There was an angel standing next to me, but I did not make any attempt
to communicate with them, or to look at them. I was concentrating on the angels
guiding the operation.
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?
Yes The doctor said it was the best operation he had ever performed. There
was no problems during the operation, and no infections.
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?
Uncertain I didn't begin to remember the event until a few days after the
procedure. I do not know how long I was in the operating room.
Did
you have a sense of knowing special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?
No
Did
you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?
No I think I was standing on the ceiling, but the ceiling was not there.
I'm not sure if this is the kind of limiting structure you ask of.
Did
you become aware of future events?
Uncertain
I could tell that because the angels were guiding the doctors, that
I was not going to die and that everything was going to be ok.
Did
you have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience
you did not have prior to the experience?
No
Have you shared this experience with others?
Yes It was a few days after the 4th anniversary that I told my wife. No one
else knows, but I am going to tell my pastor. Other than that, just you.
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 probably real I thought, and still think, it could be a dream.
But I also feel it could be real. I have no way of proving any of it was real,
other than I lived through an operation I should have died in, and I had no
infection where there should have been.
Were there one or several parts of the experience especially meaningful or
significant to you?
The
angels were the focal point, that meant a lot to me. It showed me that I am
always being protected, and I am here for a reason.
How
do you currently view the reality of your experience:
Experience was probably real I feel the same way as in 40.
Have your relationships changed specifically as a result of your
experience?
Yes
I
became more bold afterwards, but also more emotional.
Have your religious beliefs/practices changed specifically as a result of your
experience?
Yes
I
became more bold to approach people and tell them about Jesus.
Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life,
medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience?
No
Is
there anything else you would like to add concerning the experience?
I'm
still not sure if what I experienced was real, but I know God had to of helped
the doctors.
Did
the questions asked and information you provided so far accurately and
comprehensively describe your experience?
Yes It allowed me to explain various aspects I had not considered.
Are
there any other questions we could ask to help you communicate your experience?
The religious questions are vague, should simply ask what religious affiliation
are you with.
