HEAVEN

Sixty-eight year old “Julia”, was diagnosed one month ago with lung cancer that has spread to her bones. The doctors told her that there was no treatment for her as the cancer had already spread too far.

Julia was widowed seven years ago and had been living alone. Once she was diagnosed, she moved in with her eldest son, “Shawn”. Shawn works nights as a chef and is available during the day to care for his mom. Shawn’s wife works days and is able to care for her mother-in-law while Shawn is at work. Julia has two other sons who visit routinely and help out as well. This is a very close, devoted family.

I first met Julia two weeks ago when she was new to hospice. She was able to walk with some assistance, but was safe to be left alone for a few hours at a time. I was shocked at how much she had declined when I saw her today. She was sitting up in her wheelchair, but looked so weak.

Shawn says she is hardly eating much at all anymore. Julia now needs help with all of her activities. Shawn is going to take leave in order to be home full time to be with his mom. All know that her time is getting close.

Whenever I walk into a home, I just let go and let the patient and family guide me. I also let go to allow my higher power in to also guide me. Thoughts and words often pop into my head. I trust it and go with it and, always, it happens to be the right thing to say at that particular moment. I know that I am a vessel and spirit is guiding me. Julia started to talk about her dying. She had so many questions about what heaven would be like and what awaits her. I was honored to then share my story about heaven with her.

Almost six months ago, I suffered from a gangrenous, ruptured appendix. I had an out-of-body experience while in the Emergency Room. I shared my story with Julia, clarifying that it was my perception of an amazing experience.

I know and believe Julia will be fine and will be meeting with her husband when she crosses over. We all have loved ones waiting for our arrival some day. I feel so blessed to have gotten a small peek. A small, amazing peek.

Addendum: Julia died peacefully four days after my visit. Her questions about heaven are no longer an unknown. I wish her peace.

HEAVEN
　

It has almost been six months
since I got a glimpse of heaven.
It was such an incredible experience,
but at the time, it felt so normal.

I feel a strong need to share my story.
I just can’t let it lie.
It is too amazing to keep it quiet,
but what is it for me to do?

She was just diagnosed a month ago,
but her decline has been quick.
She told me, “I know I am dying.
I am getting so very weak.”

She started talking about heaven,
wondering what awaits her.
She has Christian beliefs about God,
but was puzzled about what’s next.

I told her about my experience.
How I got a small peek of the other side.
I told her that it was a natural phenomenon.
If I stayed I would have been okay.

She thanked me for telling her,
adding, “I feel so much better.”
Maybe such a profound experience,
is meant to leave its amazing impact;
         one individual soul at a time.