Life After Death
Life, death, heaven, hell, angels, God... All things most of us are intrigued with. We all want the answers, whether it's because we miss loved ones who have passed on or whether we are facing our own mortality. We all want to think that there is something after this physical life here on earth. We want to believe that the spirit and consciousness lives on.
I want this to be an interactive lens where we can all learn from each other, so please feel free to send me your story if you would like for me to post it. I think by sharing our experiences we are helping others.
I want this to be an interactive lens where we can all learn from each other, so please feel free to send me your story if you would like for me to post it. I think by sharing our experiences we are helping others.
Each of these experiences I write about came from a friend who had a near death experience. I have changed the names however to protect their privacy. I run a support group for Lyme Disease online and many of my friends have "died" then come back with these experiences, so I wanted to write about what they have told me to try to bring comfort to others.
My Story~ Asking for a Sign
"The Cardinal"
I worked many years as a caregiver. I did home health care and worked at a nursing home. As you can imagine you get very close to the people you take care of. Many deep conversations are to be had. Let me introduce you to Martha and Kurt (names have been changed).Well they were getting up there in age and pretty much Martha was the caregiver over her husband Kurtis, when I or another aide wasn't there. So one day Macey and I were talking and we were sharing our experiences in how we loved birds and took care of a couple of cardinals and were worried who was feeding them, now that we had both moved. Eventually, the conversation turned to whether we believed in life after death. And I asked her, if she died before me would she give me a sign, and we agreed she would give me a sign with a cardinal, because we both love cardinals.
A couple months later, while I was taking care of her, she passed away. It was really sad. As I was leaving work, a cardinal swooped down right in front of my windshied. I slammed on the breaks and remembered our deal. Then I thought, maybe I'm reading too much into it and it was just a coincidence.
After a day I decided to call her daughter and tell her anyways about the cardinal and our deal. So a couple days later she called me and said, wow, at her burial, there was this cardinal just sitting on the fence singing away through the whole thing. Yet, still in the back of my mind I thought, well maybe again just a coincidence.
But then a couple days after that, her daughter was at a Hallmark store buying a card when she saw a little beanie baby cardinal. There was only one sitting there and she asked the lady to go check to see if there was anymore and explained why cardinals were so important to her. She really wanted to buy two, one for her and one for me. She came back with one more she had found in the back, and the clerk said why dont you open the little card on there, maybe there is a message for you in there. The card read birthday: August xx, (the date the Martha died). I didn't question it at all after that.
So the cardinal became a symbol for me that there is really life after death. There is something more out there then this, here on earth. Since this happened there has been really stressful times when I pray and I always get another "cardinal" sign, that things will be okay. I hope this story helps you know too, that your loved ones are still with you and watching over you.
A couple months later, while I was taking care of her, she passed away. It was really sad. As I was leaving work, a cardinal swooped down right in front of my windshied. I slammed on the breaks and remembered our deal. Then I thought, maybe I'm reading too much into it and it was just a coincidence.
After a day I decided to call her daughter and tell her anyways about the cardinal and our deal. So a couple days later she called me and said, wow, at her burial, there was this cardinal just sitting on the fence singing away through the whole thing. Yet, still in the back of my mind I thought, well maybe again just a coincidence.
But then a couple days after that, her daughter was at a Hallmark store buying a card when she saw a little beanie baby cardinal. There was only one sitting there and she asked the lady to go check to see if there was anymore and explained why cardinals were so important to her. She really wanted to buy two, one for her and one for me. She came back with one more she had found in the back, and the clerk said why dont you open the little card on there, maybe there is a message for you in there. The card read birthday: August xx, (the date the Martha died). I didn't question it at all after that.
So the cardinal became a symbol for me that there is really life after death. There is something more out there then this, here on earth. Since this happened there has been really stressful times when I pray and I always get another "cardinal" sign, that things will be okay. I hope this story helps you know too, that your loved ones are still with you and watching over you.
An Orb experience from Sherry
An Angel comes for "Pops"
I met Sherry (HeartBroken) here on Squidoo,
On one of my other lenses about Orbs, Orbs, Orbs she commented on an experience she had and she gave me permission to share it with you.
Sherry's Story
"My favorite and most cherished orb experience was the one I saw without a camera. Several years back, we cared for a 61 y.o. gentleman in our home who had colorectal cancer. He passed in my home with me by his side. The night before he passed, I was beside him, wiping his face and keeping his mouth moistened. He had slipped away from us earlier that afternoon and would not respond to us anymore. I knew his time was coming.
As I was sitting there beside him and had just finished wiping him down, I turned to place the cloth on the coffee table I was sitting on (it is a small room and the sturdy coffee table was very helpful as a stool and place to keep what he needed for care). When I turned back, there was a pin-light hovering just above his face. I rubbed my eyes, thinking I was seeing things. No, it was still there and slowly rose into a corner of the room. At this time, he started reaching up towards it and said, "Yes, I am ready to go." Then, the little light vanished and we heard no more words out of "Pops". He passed the next morning when the hospice lady had come to check on him as I was telling her the story. May "Pops" forever R.I.P. I know in my heart that I will be forever changed by that experience...I have witnessed an Angel in my own home come to lead "Pops" to his new home."
Leaving Your Body
It seems like usually the first thing people remember after an accident or near death experience, is the sensation that they are out of their bodies. Most report that they were suddenly looking at their own body from an outside viewpoint, such as looking down on drs working on your body, or paramedics trying to remove you from the car of an accident.
Here is a story from Ann
"Interestingly enough, they don't usually feel scared. They feel peaceful and can't figure out why everyone around is scrambling around their body or family members are crying. They want to tell you, "I am okay. I am still here."
I was about 14 years old, I went in for an emergency appendectomy. It sounded like it would be a simple procedure but somehow something went wrong. Sometime during the surgery my blood pressure suddenly dropped to to 32/20.
All I remember is suddenly being near the ceiling and looking down on my body and everyone scrambling around me. It took me a while to realize that it was my body on that table. I could hear drs yelling and a nurse say she was going to notify my family. During this whole time it was like I was just floating about six feet over my body. I could see the monitors, and hear what everyone was saying.
Next thing I knew, I was waking up in my body. I don't remember what happened to bring me back into it. But my family and the doctors were shocked when I told them I was watching them all work on me. I relayed what I remembered them saying and they didn't know what to think."
Here is a story from Ann
"Interestingly enough, they don't usually feel scared. They feel peaceful and can't figure out why everyone around is scrambling around their body or family members are crying. They want to tell you, "I am okay. I am still here."
I was about 14 years old, I went in for an emergency appendectomy. It sounded like it would be a simple procedure but somehow something went wrong. Sometime during the surgery my blood pressure suddenly dropped to to 32/20.
All I remember is suddenly being near the ceiling and looking down on my body and everyone scrambling around me. It took me a while to realize that it was my body on that table. I could hear drs yelling and a nurse say she was going to notify my family. During this whole time it was like I was just floating about six feet over my body. I could see the monitors, and hear what everyone was saying.
Next thing I knew, I was waking up in my body. I don't remember what happened to bring me back into it. But my family and the doctors were shocked when I told them I was watching them all work on me. I relayed what I remembered them saying and they didn't know what to think."
Going into a Tunnel
Seeing "The Light"
The next thing people usually report is a feeling of moving through a tunnel. Some report seeing other "spirits" that seem to be choosing to remain here and some see some moving along also. But eventually they report seeing a bright light, beyond humanly description at the end of this tunnel. They are travelling towards this light while going through the tunnel.
When people try to explain the light, they have difficulty. They say it is such a stunningly brilliant light, a total feeling of love. And they get the feeling that if they pass through it, that there is no returning to the physical body and they feel like they have to make a choice. I have heard all kinds of ideas on what the light is, some say it's the light and love of Jesus. Some say it is just all-encompassing love.
At some point it is reported that you find yourself standing with the light. Again, I have heard all descriptions from the light forming into different religious figures, or sometimes relatives come out from it, relatives that have passed on. At this point a family member may tell you, "It is not your time yet." And you may in a split second be back in your body. Others continue. Some also reporting here seeing a opalescent pearly like wall that goes up as high as the eye can see. There is a door, but before going through that door you have to make that choice if you want to continue or if there is still work on earth for you to do. There is usually a guide, religious figure, or family members helping you with this decision.
Another interesting thing that happens here is some people say they feel like they know all the answers to everything they ever wondered about while in the physical body. This knowledge is hardly ever retained however.
"Teds Story of The Light"
"After I left my body I felt drawn to a "tunnel of light.' I felt like somehow I was being sucked into this vortex. As I started my journey through this tunnel it started out total darkeness. I could sense others around me. Other souls. They didn't appear to be suffering. They seemed to be content to just stay right where they were for the moment. I don't know why. I started moving faster and soon at the end of the tunnel, I could see a bright light. It was so bright that I don't think that human eyes could look at it. It is so hard to describe, it was brighter then the sun. And it had feeling. I could feel love, like this light was embracing me, with unconditional love. I never felt scared through this experience.
Then I felt like I started to slow down. All of a sudden the light started to speak to me. But not necessarily with a voice. It was just a "knowing." Like it was sharing knowledge with me. I began to understand everything. Everything, whether it was perceived to be good or bad in my physical existence all made sense now. All my questions were answered. I could not remember any of the answers when I woke up however. "
When people try to explain the light, they have difficulty. They say it is such a stunningly brilliant light, a total feeling of love. And they get the feeling that if they pass through it, that there is no returning to the physical body and they feel like they have to make a choice. I have heard all kinds of ideas on what the light is, some say it's the light and love of Jesus. Some say it is just all-encompassing love.
At some point it is reported that you find yourself standing with the light. Again, I have heard all descriptions from the light forming into different religious figures, or sometimes relatives come out from it, relatives that have passed on. At this point a family member may tell you, "It is not your time yet." And you may in a split second be back in your body. Others continue. Some also reporting here seeing a opalescent pearly like wall that goes up as high as the eye can see. There is a door, but before going through that door you have to make that choice if you want to continue or if there is still work on earth for you to do. There is usually a guide, religious figure, or family members helping you with this decision.
Another interesting thing that happens here is some people say they feel like they know all the answers to everything they ever wondered about while in the physical body. This knowledge is hardly ever retained however.
"Teds Story of The Light"
"After I left my body I felt drawn to a "tunnel of light.' I felt like somehow I was being sucked into this vortex. As I started my journey through this tunnel it started out total darkeness. I could sense others around me. Other souls. They didn't appear to be suffering. They seemed to be content to just stay right where they were for the moment. I don't know why. I started moving faster and soon at the end of the tunnel, I could see a bright light. It was so bright that I don't think that human eyes could look at it. It is so hard to describe, it was brighter then the sun. And it had feeling. I could feel love, like this light was embracing me, with unconditional love. I never felt scared through this experience.
Then I felt like I started to slow down. All of a sudden the light started to speak to me. But not necessarily with a voice. It was just a "knowing." Like it was sharing knowledge with me. I began to understand everything. Everything, whether it was perceived to be good or bad in my physical existence all made sense now. All my questions were answered. I could not remember any of the answers when I woke up however. "
Life Review
Many patients report a life review at some point during their experience. Usually once they have been through the tunnel and some "high being" takes them to a room to sit down with "other spirits of higher means." They start to see their life flash before them. They see each person that ever was in their life and how their actions affected the other person. Even thought part of these life reviews are sad, or might seem like they would be embarrassing, most report there is not a judging feeling from anyone else in the room. Mostly the feelings of judgement come from yourself as you understand how you made others feel. All is important, the good and the bad. Again, at this point you may be asked if you want to continue or if you want to stay. Sometimes they will show you what your purpose is in the physical plane. And you will have to decide whether you think you complete the mission or if you should go back to keep working on it.
"Doug's explains part of his experience"
"As I was staring at the "Light" I saw a hand reach out to me. I saw Jesus appear and beckoned me to come closer. He asked if I was ready to go on with Him. As I touched his hand I started to see flashes of my life. I saw parts of the future also and what it would be like. I felt like I knew my purpose and that I hadn't completed it yet and I needed to come back to help my wife and kids. There was a feeling that I still had things to do before I was ready to come "Home." And just like that, I was back in my body. It was hard waking up in pain, after being encompassed in so much love and no physical pain whatsoever. My body felt so heavy. I didn't feel like that in my spirit form."
"Doug's explains part of his experience"
"As I was staring at the "Light" I saw a hand reach out to me. I saw Jesus appear and beckoned me to come closer. He asked if I was ready to go on with Him. As I touched his hand I started to see flashes of my life. I saw parts of the future also and what it would be like. I felt like I knew my purpose and that I hadn't completed it yet and I needed to come back to help my wife and kids. There was a feeling that I still had things to do before I was ready to come "Home." And just like that, I was back in my body. It was hard waking up in pain, after being encompassed in so much love and no physical pain whatsoever. My body felt so heavy. I didn't feel like that in my spirit form."
Meeting Relatives
Many people report that while they were in their "life after death" experience that they got to see relatives who have passed on again. They say they are welcomed by old friends and family members at the "Gates of Heaven." Sometimes these relatives or friends will walk with you through this experience. Some say they are right outside the gate and some say they can walk right inside of the gate, but the farther you go in, the less likely you are to be able to return to your body.
At this point many have also said they heard beautiful music. I heard it explained as sounding angelic."
Read Dave's story:
"As I passed into the Pearly gates, that seemed to touch the sky, I couldn't see the top of them nor where it ended on either side. As soon as I entered I saw my Uncle Sam! I couldn't believe it! He had died so many years ago when I was a little boy. He just smiled and I could feel so much love coming from him, and for me. I remembered all the fun times but at the same time, realized I had known him before this lifetime even. We were truly friends in the spirit world, not just Uncle and Nephew on the earth. He pushed me forward and I realized there was my second grade teacher that had died in a car accident, and my grandma, and my next door neighbor. I didn't see my dog Bruno but knew he was there, I just knew I would see him soon also. Everything felt whole here. Noone was speaking, not with their voices, they would just look at me and I'd feel there love or somehow hear their thoughts. There was nothing but love.
I became aware of music. I could hear angels singing, all at the same time, many different songs, some I knew and some I didn't. I couldn hear every instrument ever known playing. I could pick it out. Pianos, harps, saxes, all of it. It was surreal. Saying this now it seems so silly, that you could have all that going on at once, and it not sound bad, but it didn't. It wasn't of the earth. There is noway to explain it here. Picture a choir at church singing with a symphony playing, it was that times 100.
All of a sudden I saw my Aunt put her hand up and say, "Stop, you must return now, you are not ready." I pleaded to stay. Even though I love my family and my dog very much, I couldn't imagine coming back to the physical existence after being there. I felt like I was back where I was supposed to be. it was almost like I never had left in the first place.
That is all I remember. The next thing I remember is waking up in a hospital. I had had a cardiac arrest and doctors told me they had to resuscitate me three times. I will never forget it.Yet, i feel like there might be parts of my experience I don't remember. I can't explain why. I don't regret coming back. I am now engaged to a beautiful women, but I don't fear death anymore. I know where we are going is a good place to be."
At this point many have also said they heard beautiful music. I heard it explained as sounding angelic."
Read Dave's story:
"As I passed into the Pearly gates, that seemed to touch the sky, I couldn't see the top of them nor where it ended on either side. As soon as I entered I saw my Uncle Sam! I couldn't believe it! He had died so many years ago when I was a little boy. He just smiled and I could feel so much love coming from him, and for me. I remembered all the fun times but at the same time, realized I had known him before this lifetime even. We were truly friends in the spirit world, not just Uncle and Nephew on the earth. He pushed me forward and I realized there was my second grade teacher that had died in a car accident, and my grandma, and my next door neighbor. I didn't see my dog Bruno but knew he was there, I just knew I would see him soon also. Everything felt whole here. Noone was speaking, not with their voices, they would just look at me and I'd feel there love or somehow hear their thoughts. There was nothing but love.
I became aware of music. I could hear angels singing, all at the same time, many different songs, some I knew and some I didn't. I couldn hear every instrument ever known playing. I could pick it out. Pianos, harps, saxes, all of it. It was surreal. Saying this now it seems so silly, that you could have all that going on at once, and it not sound bad, but it didn't. It wasn't of the earth. There is noway to explain it here. Picture a choir at church singing with a symphony playing, it was that times 100.
All of a sudden I saw my Aunt put her hand up and say, "Stop, you must return now, you are not ready." I pleaded to stay. Even though I love my family and my dog very much, I couldn't imagine coming back to the physical existence after being there. I felt like I was back where I was supposed to be. it was almost like I never had left in the first place.
That is all I remember. The next thing I remember is waking up in a hospital. I had had a cardiac arrest and doctors told me they had to resuscitate me three times. I will never forget it.Yet, i feel like there might be parts of my experience I don't remember. I can't explain why. I don't regret coming back. I am now engaged to a beautiful women, but I don't fear death anymore. I know where we are going is a good place to be."
After You Come Back
Almost everyone I have ever talked to that has had a life after death experience, reports that their life has changed for ever. Instead of worrying about material things, or career advancements, the biggest house on the block, now they only knew that "love" was all that mattered. Their goals in life change and they really appreciate their family in a different light.
"Everything you do affects everything and everyone." says Jane. "You can't go through life thinking you don't matter or that what you do does not affect other people. We are all connected. All that matters is love, so we should all getting busy loving one another. Help your neighbor, stop judging everyone, realize you cannot change what others do, only what you do. Do what you can to make this world a better place. You will be happy you did one day. When I was in God's light and felt unconditional all encompassing love, I knew that's how i wanted others to feel. I want to bring others as close to that love and light as I can."
"Everything you do affects everything and everyone." says Jane. "You can't go through life thinking you don't matter or that what you do does not affect other people. We are all connected. All that matters is love, so we should all getting busy loving one another. Help your neighbor, stop judging everyone, realize you cannot change what others do, only what you do. Do what you can to make this world a better place. You will be happy you did one day. When I was in God's light and felt unconditional all encompassing love, I knew that's how i wanted others to feel. I want to bring others as close to that love and light as I can."
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