Life After … The Day I Died

What a weird title, right? How can anyone write about the day they died? Well, I am so blessed to be able to share this with you, about dying and having a second chance to live. Yes, I am one of those accounts of a “near death” experience. There are so many, well, at least I have heard of many. My curiosity though is why, whenever I share my experience, does the reaction always seem to be, “you should write a book”! Why is it then, that all the other stories about near death experiences, haven’t been enough? I mean enough to convince others, about life after death. I’ve been sharing my story for all these years since it happened. So, why should I write about it now?

As a Registered Nurse, I often experience some very sick people. Earlier this year, I encountered a patient, who was filled with cancer. We were discussing his uncontrollable blood sugar level. As I was washing my hands in his room, he commented very pessimistically,” well, that’s life, and then you die!” Well, his words hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart was touched. I felt an overwhelming sense of sympathy for his predicament. I heard a little voice in my spirit, saying “tell him, tell him that’s not true!” I was a little apprehensive, to utter any personal sentiments. I answered that voice and whispered,” I can’t do that, I am a nurse”! I’d been taught that nurses are not supposed to share personal experiences. Well, regardless, I decided it was a pinnacle moment. I turned to face him, looked him in the eyes, and quickly responded to his comment, I said, “Nope, you’re wrong, it’s not just that’s life and then you die, there’s more, there’s life after.” He was surprised at my response, and the expression on his face said it all. He was skeptical and said,” how do you know?” His response opened the door, and I briefly told him my own story. When I was finished, I noticed his countenance had changed. He lit up like a light, as if the sun was shining on his face. He smiled and said emphatically,” you’re amazing! “By now, he was beaming, to look at him at that very moment, you’d have never thought he was so ill. I was shocked, I was almost speechless. I took a step backwards and I slowly responded, “okay”? Then, the patient told me,” you need to write a book”. I told him that there are so many stories like mine, and I just didn’t think it was really necessary. He said,” Pam, you have to tell your story!” I told him, “okay, because of you, I will.”

I think life is very busy for most people, I am definitely one of those folks. I live my life with a full plate, often needing to move things aside, to make room for other things. Although, most people are so preoccupied with living, that they rarely stop to think about their own mortality. At least, not until it hits “closer to home”. When a family member or friend dies, or a person is critically injured, or terminally ill, then everyone who is close to them, is faced with a reality. All the sudden, death becomes inevitable to all. Life momentarily gets a little more meaningful. Unfortunately, that reality is temporary for most. Life keeps happening, and it gets in the way again. The hustle, and bustle to make a buck; plus, the preoccupation to be significant and fulfilled, ultimately takes-over. The passion for a meaningful, purposeful life fizzles out, and distractions dominate.

Sometimes though, it is life-altering. To some of us, the inevitable is the most relevant, and most consuming reality. Then, that epiphany drives that person’s existence; through the deepest depths of their soul, with every beat of their heart, and every breath they take. That, my friend, is how I feel almost every day. I am living on “borrowed time”. Seeking the reason why I am walking on this side of life. Daily considering, that the next beat of my heart is not guaranteed. I’m living every day, like I’m dying.

I still have a lot of questions myself, like, why me? Why did the Lord God, creator of Heaven and Earth, choose me to spread this news? I may not know until I pass over into eternity, when I cease to have life in this shell, I call my body. However, when that time comes, I will be happy to go back home. Life on Earth can be wonderful, but life after death is so much more rewarding. More than anyone could possibly imagine.