An Interesting Topic

There's something intersting about the afterlife. I think whether people are Christians or not, life after death is a topic people are interested in. So, today at SAMmy's we're delving into that topic while I discuss the parable, "The Rich Man and Lazarus."

I'm opening with the story from three months ago, when my dad died. I think I'm finally okay to be talking about it in front of a group (I hope I don't cry!). He was fine the day before - out shopping with my mom, going out to lunch, doing their regular routine. Then, at 2:30 in the morning, he sat up in bed. My mom called his name several times, but he seemed to be in a daze (not unusual for somebody waking up at 2:30 in the morning...). He kept staring up at the ceiling, in the corner of the room, as if he were watching something that my mom couldn't see. His eyes and head were scanning the room from side to side. Then, after about 5 minutes, he stood up to walk toward whatever he was watching (angels?) and his body fell from his spirit, and he was gone. My mom saw it all.

My sister Deanna is a nurse, and sees people go from life to death all the time. She says that if you are ever in that position - to be with somebody when they pass from this world into the next - that it is such an honor. She says that usually they cannot talk, but you can ask them questions about what they are seeing, and they will answer by nodding or shaking their head. (She's so smart, isn't she?) She's done this on countless occasions.

My grandmothers passed away within days of each other. My kids were babies. My Grandma Brockman had died, and Grandma Anna was in the hospital. I was drained. My in-laws had been sitting for my babies, because I had been so tied up with my family and sitting with my Grandma yet living. My in-laws were watching the kids the next morning, so I could go to Grandma Brockman's funeral (my husband was working many hours), and Grandma Anna begged me to stay the night. I couldn't, because nobody was there to watch the babies. G. Anna begged and begged. My sister Deanna told me to go home and get some rest and I reluctantly did while Deanna stayed with Anna overnight. Anna died that night (I still regret this!). But, Deanna said that she was looking up in the corner of the room. Deanna asked if she saw something, and she nodded vigorously. Deanna asked if they were angels and Anna nodded again - and then, she breathed her last breath.

Isn't that interesting? My dad's friend, after I told him my Dad's story, had said that he was with his father when he passed and his dad was watching in the corner of the room on the ceiling, also - and then he put out his arms as if he were climbing a ladder.

In preparing for this lesson, one of my Directors - Cathy - and my proofreader - Faith - both suggested I read "90 seconds in Heaven" (or is it "90 Minutes in Heaven"?). Anyhow, I guess it's a good read. I'll have to do that. (NOTE: After I wrote this post, I bought the book, and I wrote about it and another experience that hinted to my dad's death that I later remembered, in this post.)

I can't wait to discuss this lesson and see if there are any other good stories out there. I guess it's exciting if you know where you're going. I find it really interesting, and in a way comforting, because I know where my dad is. That is a beautiful gift in the midst of the sorrow.