Healing Power of a Near Death Experience

[Charlemagne_II]

I recently had open heart surgery (aortic valve replacement). At my age, 72, this can be risky business. Never in my whole life have I felt closer to God, It is a great existential moment in life, during which all the unimportant things in life that seemed so important suddenly get ignored … and the only important thing in life, the fate of one’s immortal soul, goes front and center.

I was able to be deeply comforted by my faith and the prayers of fellow faithful Catholics.

Now in recovery, there are changes in my life that are going to take place. Every day now will be for me a gift with ever so many reasons to give thanks.

I do not know how people who never think in real terms about death come to deal with it when it steals upon them and takes them by surprise. I do not know how the atheist deals with death other than by pure resignation as opposed to hope.

Has anyone else here, from Catholics to atheists, had a profound life change experience as a result of a near death moment?

 

[SMA_12]

Almost 4 years ago, I was driving about 75 mph on the highway, on my way home from college, when everyone in front of me began to slam on their breaks. As I slammed my brakes, the brakes went out. Going very fast I had no way to stop when everyone was stopping in front of me. It was a two lane highway, there was no shoulder on my side, only a ditch, and cars blocking my way on my right…

Still not sure how I ended up on the right shoulder, unharmed and rolling to a stop. All I can say is that my guardian angel was looking after me that day.

I get emotional writing this, because at that point in my life I was living in mortal sin and hadn’t been to confession in years. I am humbled to this day, knowing I could very well be in hell at this very moment, had God not chosen to save my life that day.

Hard headed as I was it still took me quite awhile to get to confession after that, but I finally did. And ever since, I have been growing in Christ, leading a sacramental life, and am back in communion with the Church. I now realize the importance of confession and repentance, because you never which day may be your last.

 

[Sahara_DeSert]

Many years ago, on Valentines Day, 4 single ladies decided to treat ourselves to a fancy schmanzy dinner out. The restaurant was about 45 minutes away in another town. We had a wonderful time. We had, I don’t remember why, taken 2 cars. I was driving one. While dining a cold snap had turned the roads to black ice. About mid way home I hit a patch, the car went right, then left, just missing the ditches each time. The lady beside me laughs when nervous…she was hysterically laughing. I finally said out loud “ok I can’t do this YOU take the wheel” I lifted my hands from the steering wheel, the car did a complete circle, stopping facing the right way. the other car’s ladies had observed the whole thing. When we safely arrived back to our town, they asked me how I got control. Told them it was not me, and the lady with me confirmed it.
This was several years before the popular country song 'Jesus Take the Wheel"

 

[Ruthie_again]

I watched one; my friend. I don’t know what, if any, faith she had.

She was a co-worker, who had the irritating habit of complaining about everything. For example, she saved up and bought herself a Pontiac Firebird. She was very enthusiastic about it - but constantly griping about the wait, the paperwork, etc. etc.

One day I arrived at work and saw a brand new Firebird in the parking lot. So I happily asked her how she liked it. “The insurance is KILLING me.” But I liked her anyway, and found several likes in common. We went to dog shows, and the opera together.

She had standards for herself that she never violated; this is what you wear to work, this is how you do your hair, this is the stereotype you obey. (She didn’t care that I violated them.) You could say that she was hidebound.

Then she learned that she had inoperable brain cancer, and would die within 9 months.

Suddenly, life was wonderful, and stereotypes meant nothing, and the world was full of enjoyable things. I never heard her gripe again. When her hair fell out, she bought three wigs. Two were very like what her hair had been. The third was neon pink, in a style she used to gripe about. Which one do you think she wore to work first? She was not going to wait for death, griping. She was reaching out to life all the way.

Everything was full of wonder for her, from the smallest blossom to the biggest thunderstorm. She appreciated everyone she worked with, even the ones who were rude to her. (There was one who said, “That’s what you get for smoking.” )

And she lived for a few months more than 2 years. I think her new attitude is why. I think she learned to love God, too. We didn’t talk about it much. (I was Christian at the time, but had no thought of becoming Catholic.)

I pray that she loved her way right into heaven.