Life after death?

[gwenllian111]

Evening everyone.

I've thought about posting this for a while, but I wasn't sure...

Tonight, while my husband I were having dinner, Craig's wine glass moved accross the table. We have lots of spiritual activity in our house, lol! But anyway, it got me thinking again...do you believe in life after death?

When I was 14 years old, I nearly died with WG. I remember being in Intensive Care, and I was later told that the doctors at one point gave me less than 24 hours to live and I was given the last rites (my family are catholic).

When I regained consciousness, I thought I saw my guardian angel sat on my bed holding my hand. Many will say it was the medication, or something, and I don't know.

I remember thinking therafter 'NEVER forget this - don't be scared of death.' I don't remember why I carry this thought with me throughout life, as ironically, i am quite scared of death now!

What are your thoughts about this?

Sorry if this is too upsetting - if it is, I can delete the topic (I think!)

Thank you X

[pberggren1]

I can send you a private message on this topic if you like.

[drz]

Didn't Jack start a thread on this or similar topic not too long before he died? I remember his comments on this topic. My recollection from ICU when I believed I was going to die shortly was one more of regret for pain I was causing my family than any fear for myself. It was very similar to passing out when you have surgery and they put you into an unconscious state.

The question of whether there is any life after death gets into different religious views so probably is a taboo subject. Near death experiences and fear of death are probably safe for discussion here. I think there probably is an old thread on this topic somewhere.

[Lightwarrior]

Jack did start a thread similar to this one. Rather than discuss the religious implications of death we discussed our feelings regarding death. I think if we agree to stay away from being preachy that we could re-open an intelligent discussion of a part of life that we will all participate in at one time or another. I will look for that thread and re-post something so everyone will have a background and get the sentiment.

[vdub]

Jack did start a thread on this and you are right, Jerry, it was just several months before he died. Actually, on thread, religion was discussed, but it was very polite and understanding. Myself, I have no fear and I have discussed it with the family. Hopefully, they would shed a tear of so, but my real hope is that they would move on with life. It's way to short to waste on stuff you can't change.

[KathyB]

I look forward to reading Jack's original thread, too. Not getting into the life after death topic per se, I always want my family to understand I am not afraid to die. Sad for what I'll miss after I'm gone (husband, children, grandchildren, etc) --- those left behind. But definitely not afraid of death. It is totally based on my faith and "religious" beliefs.

KB

[Dirty Don]

I spent 17 days/nites in ICU, was unconscious for 10 of them, on life support (couldn't breathe, ultra low blood pressure, etc.), was, in effect, dying. I remember little before I went in: friend taking me to emergency, handing nurse my insurance card...then nothing. For 10 days, it was dark...I was cognizant of nothing else, nothing remembered, no lights or encounters. I woke up to Quaddafi on the TV, a strange storm trooper over in the corner (nurse played the game when I asked why he was there...an employee helping!!!) manipulating my 'leg massage' machine, tiny storm troopers leaving messages on the wall for me to 'give it up', eyes in various wall sockets looking AT me, dragged out dead faces in the draperies, candlelights at Xmas in my window, strange interactions by people whom I did recognize as nurses doing things at weird times, the nurses' station running a casino/bar late at nite, being in different cities and hospital rooms (never left that ICU...)...but, NO angels, no lights, and, most of all, no fear. I was never afraid...I said some stupid things, wasn't very polite sometimes, could be demanding of not only the staff but my caring wife...but never was I afraid. Now, a year to the day of arriving home from that nightmare/delusion/hallucination (obviously drug induced & a quiet interlude into my mind at that time), I am still not afraid...don't think I will ever be afraid of death...was it MY experience, a faith I may have, or sheer doggedness, or, maybe, just my chemistry and reaction to the needs of the moment?

[gwenllian111]

Didn't Jack start a thread on this or similar topic not too long before he died? I remember his comments on this topic. My recollection from ICU when I believed I was going to die shortly was one more of regret for pain I was causing my family than any fear for myself. It was very similar to passing out when you have surgery and they put you into an unconscious state.

.

I agree. I remember feeling more upset that my mum and dad couldn't be in the same room as me, as they were so upset. I knew I couldn't make this better for them.

[delorisdoe]

Firstly, I'd like to say hi! I am actually able to open and even coment on this topic. I hope there is life after death but either way death still scares me.

[drz]

I spent 17 days/nites in ICU, was unconscious for 10 of them, on life support (couldn't breathe, ultra low blood pressure, etc.), was, in effect, dying. I remember little before I went in: friend taking me to emergency, handing nurse my insurance card...then nothing. For 10 days, it was dark...I was cognizant of nothing else, nothing remembered, no lights or encounters. I woke up to Quaddafi on the TV, a strange storm trooper over in the corner (nurse played the game when I asked why he was there...an employee helping!!!) manipulating my 'leg massage' machine, tiny storm troopers leaving messages on the wall for me to 'give it up', eyes in various wall sockets looking AT me, dragged out dead faces in the draperies, candlelights at Xmas in my window, strange interactions by people whom I did recognize as nurses doing things at weird times, the nurses' station running a casino/bar late at nite, being in different cities and hospital rooms (never left that ICU...)...but, NO angels, no lights, and, most of all, no fear. I was never afraid...I said some stupid things, wasn't very polite sometimes, could be demanding of not only the staff but my caring wife...but never was I afraid. Now, a year to the day of arriving home from that nightmare/delusion/hallucination (obviously drug induced & a quiet interlude into my mind at that time), I am still not afraid...don't think I will ever be afraid of death...was it MY experience, a faith I may have, or sheer doggedness, or, maybe, just my chemistry and reaction to the needs of the moment?

Parts of this sound very similar to my experience. The almost dying made me very appreciated of the bonus time I have had since those ICU days. The experience of knocking on the threshold of dying like you said also makes me realize that it most likely won't be a scary thing if it goes same as last time. That is a great relief. I too can get some laughs of the med induced psychotic experience, but also a great appreciation of how horrible that is for people who have to deal with psychotic stuff on an ongoing basis most of their lives. It makes me greatly appreciate my improvement and partial recovery of both physical and mental health.