As I continue to review the milestones in my life, this third installment for the December Challenge hosted by Lew Corcoran and Patricia Feager, I could not overlook this incredible and life-changing experience that happened in my 39th year.
I was living a very active lifestyle as a young mother of two children. At the time, I was a high school Biology teacher, cheerleading sponsor, and former cheerleading gym owner. We had moved out to the country, where we renovated a 100-year-old farmhouse on a 21-acre farm. (Yes, we were well ahead of Chip & Joanna!) 😁
After experiencing some "female" issues, it was suggested that I have a partial hysterectomy. The surgery was planned, and off I went,t fully prepared for the procedure. Two weeks after the surgery, things took a grave turn.
It was late at night, and I began hemorrhaging profusely. An ambulance was called as the bleeding was not stopping, and I began to fade due to blood loss and shock. I remember being so cold and shivering so hard that it hurt.
The ride to the hospital was 30 minutes. The paramedics were reading off my stats, and I could tell by their expressions that they were concerned. I was wheeled into an OR, and that is all I remember. Things went black!
I clearly remember lying there and still shaking violently. I opened my eyes and discovered I was in a tube, and later learned it was a warming tube to help bring my temperature up. I continued to doze in and out of sleep.
The next part of this story is still so powerful to even write about!
I remember lying there freezing and shaking, and I was so exhausted. As my eyes were closed, I could tell that the room suddenly became very bright. Instantly, I was finally warm! I was simply basking in this warmth when I became aware enough to open my eyes.
The room was fully engulfed in a pure, white light that was so bright yet it did not hurt my eyes. Also, I was basking in the warmth as my exhausted body could finally rest. As I scanned the room, my husband was asleep in the corner of the room. At the foot of my bed, I could see a figure standing there. I knew it was someone important, but I could not make out their face as the light was coming from behind them.
The next moment was the profound message I received. I was told four very clear statements:
1. "You are going to be alright."
2. I have work for you to do. (Being the Type A person that I am, I asked, "What work? I will do whatever you need from me.")
3. He answered, "In My own time."
4. "Now, rest my child."
This dialogue was not spoken. Rather, it was the clearest message I had ever received. The nurses came rushing in just after the light faded, and I began to be cold again. They were asking me how I felt while I was asking them if they knew the person at the end of my bed. They looked at one another like I had lost my mind.
I was so amazed by this experience, but could not even speak of it for many months. 6 months after this event, I was at a party. The door opened, and an elderly couple entered. I did not know either one of them. However, I had an incredible pull to go and meet the gentleman and to tell him my story.
After arguing with myself that this was insanely nuts, I finally ventured over to him and began telling him about my experience. He immediately grabbed my arm and said, "Hold on, I need to call my wife over here to hear this." As I continued, he shared he too experienced a near-death experience 6-months ago while he was in the hospital. He was crying at that point, and so was I. He said he had told no one about this except for his wife.
He had been very ill and was in the hospital, and was the former Chief of Surgery for that hospital. As a physician, he had heard many stories like his but had always scoffed at them. Since his experience, he said he thought he had just had a hallucination.
However, both of us now had confirmation that we had just given one another the gift of confirmation that what we experienced was divine. It was an incredible moment and one that I will never forget! God works in mysterious ways.
I never saw that man again, but I know I will see him again! I often wonder why I was given the honor of this divine meeting. It was beautiful and no doubt, a supernatural visit.
Life is precious. LIV2DAY! Embrace every moment!
My two other entries:
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