My Near-Death Experience by Shirley Smothers

Jo Kassis

My Near-Death Experience

Someone asked me what my Near-Death Experience was like.

For the first time since it happened more than 35 years ago, I have found the courage to put it into written words.

When I was 29 years old, I went into the hospital for a D and C (dilation and curettage). This procedure is common. Mine was being done because I had several miscarriages within a short period of time.

I was placed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, my tube ruptured. In fact, had not had a miscarriage, but had a tubal pregnancy. My blood pressure went very low, and my breathing was minimal. The doctors realized what was happening and were able to remove the ruptured tube. I was given a pint of blood, and this saved my life.

But not before I had a NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE. I was floating in the air. I looked down and saw myself lying on the operating table. My surgical team was all talking at once. I could not hear what they were saying because there was a loud whooshing sound. But then there was nothing but blackness. What looked to be a million miles away was a faint light like a twinkling star. It grew bigger and stronger. It was vibrant and brilliant, not blinding.

A voice said, "Shirley, it's time to go." I said, "What! No! I'm not dead!" The voice said, "It's time." I still refused to go. Other individuals who were refusing surrounded me. They all seemed to be unaware of the others. They were lost, desperate, desolate souls. We were between worlds. This world was nothing, just a bone -chilling bleak darkness. I saw people in the light. They seemed to be dancing and beckoning us. It seemed to be welcoming, loving, and accepting.  

The voice said, "You may return; there is a soul waiting to be born unto you." I returned, and then two years later, I had my son, Matthew Smothers. So I was allowed to come back to give my son a chance at life. I now know there is life after death. I have worked to become a better person and to help others realize they should work to become better.

© Shirley Smothers

Shirley Smothers

Shirley Smothers is an amateur writer, artist, and poet. She mostly writes short stories. Some of her short stories can be viewed at Shirley Smothers @storystar.com. Her second book can be found at Shirley Smothers "Solasta" @pothi.com. Creative Beacons published her online poetry flip book, Shirley's Poems from the Heart. 

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