...my spirit was suddenly drawn out through my chest and pulled upward, as if by a giant magnet, towards the ceiling. I felt free, unrestrained, unconfined. Every pain from my surgery had disappeared.
I hovered above my bed, looking down at my own body. I felt sorry for it. I had put it aside so easily like an unwanted piece of clothing. It still had a lot of use left in it. But, I felt whole and perfectly fine without it.
I thought, This is who I really am...
Three men—spirit beings—appeared at my side. They wore brown hooded robes and gold braided belts. I was not afraid. Their bodies glowed with a soft light, and their faces radiated intelligence that seemed ages-old. Because of their dress and the wisdom I sensed in them, I began to think of them as "monks"—three old and kindly monks.
My mind opened to a time before I was born on Earth. I had known these beings then. I recognized them now. They were my friends from eternities past—my guardian or ministering angels. They had always been with me and had watched over me during my life. I sensed their deep love for me, and this filled me with joy.
"You have died prematurely," they said. "But you should not worry. Everything will be alright."
But I had already started to worry. Not for myself, but for my family. I loved my husband and children very much. We had always been a close, loving family. How would my dying hurt them? Would they come through okay? I had to know. I had to see them.
I turned to leave, somehow knowing I could exit through the window. Once outside, I realized I had passed through the glass. But this did not seem strange to me. I could have passed through the wall as well. Without a pause I headed for home, leaving my three friends behind and soaring at the speed of thought over buildings and trees.
Before I knew it, I was at home. There was my husband, Joe, reading the paper in his chair. My children were playfully getting ready for bed. As I gazed upon them, I felt calmed by a knowledge of each one's future. Each would have challenges in life whether I died or not, I saw. Challenges would help them grow. God had a plan for each one, and they were in his hands now—actually had been in his hands all along; I could see it now. I should not worry or feel sorrowful about leaving them motherless. In the end, my children would be fine. Only brief moments would pass, and we would be together again. I could accept my dying, now. I was ready to move on to whatever else awaited me.
In a thought, I found myself back at the hospital, standing near my bed again. The three monks were there. Helping me through this transition made them happy.
Soon, a rumbling sound filled the room. I sensed the gathering of a powerful and unrelenting energy. Beautiful tones like distant bells called to me. I felt a most pleasant feeling inside. The view of the room dimmed around me, and most gently I was drawn up and into a great, whirling, black mass...