Welcome - Contributors Wanted...
January 2012
David - "No Hallucination!"
July 2011
David is 28 years old. His cardiac arrest that facilitated a near-death experience happened just nine months ago (today's date is July 20, 2011). He was flatlined for longer than five minutes, yet walked out of the hospital two days later. He puzzles over why he has no brain damage from lack of oxygen, and how people might react if he tells them what happened to him, what he saw on "the other side" of death, and what he was shown about things future. On one hand he fears being thought crazy, yet, on the other hand, he is so filled with a profound sense of brotherly love (as he put it), even for complete strangers, that he is not certain he cares if people poo-poo him. He feels utterly transformed, yet he has many questions - searching the Internet for information about near-death experiences has not proved helpful. That's because the full story is not on the Internet. You must read through various books to find that, especially my own. For "newbees," like David, I recommend COMING BACK TO LIFE, BEYOND THE LIGHT, and THE BIG BOOK OF NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES. If you are a child experiencer, be sure to read THE NEW CHILDREN AND NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES. I also urge experiencers to join the International Association For Near-Death Studies (IANDS) and attending their national conferences. There's nothing like being a room filled with people just like you, who have also died and been on "the other side." Here is David's story.
Mark - "Inside the Miracle"
July 2011
Here is a case about a father by the name of Mark who refused to hear the worst about his son Kevin, who had overdosed on drugs. Unfortunately, this type of tragedy in families is all too common these days. What's different here, and why I am posting this case, is that Mark literally was "inside the miracle" that happened to Kevin. Medical people pooh-pooh miracles for the most part and turn their backs on anything that sounds "mystical." Although there is every reason to suspect that Kevin had a near-death experience during his ordeal, what happened to his father is actually the greater story. Thank you, Mark, for giving me permission to quote you. Blessings, PMH
Roxane/Tacheene - "A Melding of Souls"
July 2011
Occasionally I come across a case that is truly different, yet credible. We must all realize that not all near-death episodes follow the so-called "classical model." Some deviate markedly, introducing individuals and those who learn about the episode, to the realization that there are lifestyles, ways to live, ways to experience "self" and "others," that run counter to what we are taught is normal or even real. My own childhood was filled with odd and unique "beings" that physically manifested when appropriate, taught me how to survive and thrive while opening up new worlds for me, new truths. Because of this early training (and much more since), I have a sense about things and am able to "look and see."
Roxane had a near-death experience that impacted her greatly. During her episode, she melded (joined with) another soul. This melding, or joining with, enabled her to survive. I cannot comment on any psychological profile here, but I can say that, to the best of my knowledge, this is not a case of mediumship or that of an altered or multiple personality, or even of a so-called "walk-in." It is a melding of minds that occurs when occasions arise. (Yes, this "melding" is somewhat like what Spock was able to do on "Star Trek" when he sought to gain specific information from someone who either could not or would not access needed thoughts/memories.) The melding was with a soul named Wolf (in the Native American Tradition). Wolf functions a lot like a guide.
There are many cultures that address deep transformational changes like what Roxane went through, and in that recognition encourage the individual to take on a new name. The new name represents a new level of knowing and living. After her experience, Roxane then became Tacheene. Like the majority of near-death experiencers throughout the world, you will notice how she connects with a greater mission for this time in our earth's history, a time when so many people are talking about the Mayan Calendar and a "blizzard" of prophecies that take on "life" on a regular basis. For all of these factors and more, I think you will find Roxane/Tacheene's story most fascinating.
~PMH
Mark - "Breathless"
July 2011
Every near-death experiencer's story is unique. Yes, the patterning is global irrespective of culture, but elements in the pattern differ broadly and the way the individual tells his or her story is truly personal. The one below is from Mark Jacoby. It happened while he was a teenager still in high school. He has asked that we use his full name and that we give his e-mail address, as he invites correspondence. You may contact him directly at jacoby_mark@hotmail.com.
--Dr. P.M.H. Atwater
Kyra - "I WAS FREE"
July 2011
The case which follows is a brief but powerful child's near-death experience, with some follow-up as an adult. Most children have only a few elements to their scenario, as did this one, yet the experience of God was strikingly different. Children often deviate from adults in what they experience and how they describe it, but not with aftereffects. What comes after is true for all. The experiencer's name is Kyra.
~PMH
NDE and Aftermath after Suicide Attempt
April 2010
This is a case from Australia that came from an attempted suicide. Note what happened afterward and how Jayne changed her way of thinking and living - even though she had a very tough time. Also note how positive her suicide episode was and what she learned from it that will certainly help anyone else contemplating suicide.
~PMH
Len – "None of Us are Bodies"
April 2010
Although this incident seems more like an out-of-body experience, I consider it to be an initial near-death experience, especially because of the way it has affected the boy throughout his life and even now as an older adult. Children are prone to have brief episodes like this (refer to "The New Children and Near-Death Experiences"). The young Len easily could have been killed in this fall. It is a miracle that he wasn't. Len, by the way, is the husband of Margaret Fields Kean. You may remember her story in several of my books, especially "Beyond the Light," in the Transcendent Cases chapter. The two were always able to share with each other on a very deep level. Perhaps this story explains why they had that unique sensitivity.
~PMH
Cailin - "Summoning the Will"
October 2009
With near-death cases, we usually get a good description of the event and what precipitated it from the experiencer, but very seldom do we ever receive the actual text of what was said while on "The Other Side." This is that rare exception, from Cailin J. Callahan. Now 51, she is tired of being a lone voice "crying in the wilderness," and is finally willing to speak up more publicly. Her near-death experience occurred when 19 in 1977 and she shares that with us now. I am grateful to Cailin for permission to post her account and use it in my research. ~PMH
Juliet's Sharing
January 2009
There are many experiencers in this section who have shared the story of their near-death episode and how it affected them. I am grateful for all their stories and the courage it took to tell them. This entry from Juliet is different from the others. Here we have an experiencer nearing the end of her life who offers how the near-death experience she had in the mid-1970s opened wide new worlds and new realities for her, above and beyond a previous experience in childhood, and what she has learned since. It is a treasured piece, very philosophical. I thank Juliet for giving me permission to print it.
~PMH
Bruna - My Miracle NDE
October 2008
Child experiencers of near-death states often grow up thinking that what happened to them was a “dream” The very young have no way to connect what once occurred with how they are now. They may even confuse this world with the other world. Please refer to my book “The New Children and Near-Death Experiences” for more details about this type of puzzle child experiencers may face. The following case of Bruna is an example of this – plus a most unusual twist. Bruna grew up with her strange “dream” until contacted by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. They told her the truth and even produced evidence of her miraculous recovery from a drowning and high fever, signed affidavits from witnesses and medical staff. The Vatican declared her case a miracle and she was given a special medal and a trip to Rome. Here is one case of survival/near-death that has been officially recognized and recorded. I have included at the end of this text a photo of the medal given to Bruna. ~PMH
Dian: NDE TAPESTRY and AfterEffects
May 2008
The scenarios of near-death experiences can vary greatly, even though the overall patterns remain consistent worldwide. Here is the case of Dian, who is alive today only because of a miracle. She should have died. Her case in long and involves two separate episodes that occurred during the same event. What is especially unusual is towards the end, when Dian discusses what happened once her experiences were over and she was back "on the job." Because of changes in her position, one boss knew and had worked with the "before" Dian, and the other, the "new" Dian. It was job evaluation time. The two bosses gave radically different evaluations of her performance; the first one not at all impressed with her and rather glum about her future prospects with the company. The second boss absolutely impressed with how smart she was, and considered her to be a valuable employee. The two bosses argued with each other, one countering the other, based on the "facts" of her employment. She never said anything about her close-call with death or her near-death experiences. This incident, completely documented and on file at her employment, illustrates how remarkably an experiencer can change - and in a substantial way. She wraps up her story with an explanation of time and the difference between how she experienced time on the "other side" versus this side. –PMH
Robin - "My Childhood NDE"
January 2008
Christine- "A Child's Near-Death Experience"
January 2008
Chris - My Face-to-face encounter with Jesus Christ
January 2008
In the case study you are about to read are many exacting medical details plus the incredible passion of a man forever changed by his near-death experience. His name is Chris Russell and he is convinced he saw the face of Jesus Christ. He went on to have more heart trouble and wound up in surgery, necessitating an oxygen mask afterward. This time that awesome Light most experiencers see came by itself to see him, envelop him, and heal him, leaving his doctors in total puzzlement. ~PMH
Lee - "Saved by a Being of Light"
January 2008
Emel- "A VERY IMPORTANT NEAR-DEATH EPISODE FROM A CHILD EXPERIENCER BORN IN TURKEY."
May 2007
Rarely does a researcher such as myself run across such a long and detailed account of a near-death experience and its aftereffects from a person in a culture that, at the time the experience occurred, considered such incidents to be evil. This account will tug at your heart. It concerns a woman named Emel who nearly died when a tiny babe. The golden light she encountered not only filled her soul but it followed her throughout the 28 years she has thus far lived. A Muslim, she could never be like her siblings nor could she understand the abusive nature of her parents. Notice how hungry she was and still is for knowledge, her need to learn and grow, her curiosity, her ability to see "through" people and events and know what the truth really is, as well as having a sense of "future." Most of the pattern of aftereffects are mentioned in her story - additionally, her vivid and informative dreams.
Emel speaks to us in English. Please skip over her many mistakes with our language. I think she does a great job, all things considered, and she is easy to understand. You may think in reading her case that the abuse heaped against her was exceptional, and you may also be inclined to blame it on her Islamic religion. Read her story carefully, and I think you will feel differently. Emel is well-versed in her faith. She knows what is in the Koran and what is not. Plus, being made fun of and rejected by the family is not that uncommon for child experiencers of near-death states - in any country - including the United States!
I feel truly humbled and honored that Emel contacted me, and was willing to share her story with all of us. It's 18 pages long, so prepare yourself. It's quite a story.
--Dr. P.M.H. Atwater
Leon- "Journey Among the Wind Walkers: Grandfather Secatero Recovers from Stroke."
April 2007
It is of upmost importance, at least of my way of thinking, that we become more knowledgeable about other ways of regarding near-death experiences and other cultural traditions which may undergird them. Consider this case of a Native American elder, highly respected and honored throughout the Navajo Nation, and, in fact, the world: Grandfather Leon Secatero and his “Journey among the Wind Walkers,” as told by Steven McFadden in his “Chiron Communications Newsletter.” I’ve known Steven for many years and feel a deep sense of gratitude that he has given me permission to carry Grandfather Leon’s entire story on my website (Grandfather Leon has also agreed to this posting). Notice how fully Grandfather has embraced his experience, what it means to him, and what he is doing about it to help others. Also note that his responses are in accord with “the way of his people.”
--Dr. P.M.H. Atwater
