For a long time, I struggled with the thought of Preslee drowning. As her mom, I felt I had failed her when I wasn’t there when she needed me most. I had reoccurring nightmares of the pain I thought she must have experienced while in the canal. At times it consumed me.
Months later I began reading different accounts of drowning victims who later lived to tell their story. It didn’t matter their religion, I wanted to know what they had experienced. Even if I was skeptical of their story, it surprised me how similar all of the stories all were. They all talk about peace, and very little pain - if they felt any at all.
A sweet reader sent me this video clip, and I wanted to share it with anyone else struggling with the same feelings I once felt. After receiving many of your stories, and reading so many personal accounts, I truly believe Preslee didn’t struggle for very long, and her spirit left this world in a peaceful state.
The video below is about an orthopedic surgeon, named Mary Neal. I know a lot of people don’t believe in these kinds of things, but I truly am grateful for those who share their experiences with death. They’ve definitely helped a devastated grieving mom more than they will ever know.
You can find Mary’s book here.
Have any of you read any interesting/comforting books? If so, I’d love to know which ones.
I can imagine that reading about other stories would bring peace. That was a great video and exactly what i want death to feel like so thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteHave you read Proof of Heaven? It's a pretty interesting account by a neurosurgeon who was a completely skeptic/nonbeliever before his experience.
ReplyDeleteI have read this one, too. And I thought it was wonderful.
DeleteI have read her book. It is a beautiful book. What she says is true. God's promises ARE real!
ReplyDeleteProfoundly beautiful. There is life after death and I know without a doubt we will all be together with our love ones someday. The LOVE never ends Ashley. I know it, I feel it, I believe it and I am so thankful for it. Because Preslee is a perfect being...I have a feeling she only felt love...love for you and Patrick, love for the Savior, love for having done what she came to here to do when her beautiful spirit left her little body. I can't imagine the depth and breadth of your loss but I know that the Savior does. He is always there for you and he is taking good care of your daughter. Thanks for sharing the video.
ReplyDeleteI have read two books recently that had to do with death experiences and them going to the other side of the veil. They are both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They are amazing. Hopefully you haven't read them yet.
ReplyDeleteThe Message, by Lance Richardson
and
Visions of Glory, by John Pontius
They have changed my life. The way that I look at things. They have given me some peace for those who have passed on, but also some peace for the future of this world. They are very interesting and you can't stop reading them.
What a beautiful video and what a heart warming experience! Thank you for sharing! I want to get her book to read more of her story! Thank you so much! Much love from Utah!
ReplyDeleteWOW!!
ReplyDeleteThat's so comforting to think that Pres didn't suffer. What an amazing story!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you found this! What an amazing truth to hold onto.
ReplyDeleteAshley, I follow your blog but have never commented. That was a beautiful video. I lost my stepson in a automobile accident when he was 8 years old.At first I use to obsess about how it was when he transitioned to the other side and returned back to our Heavenly Father. I just wanted to know that he felt no pain and that it wasn't scary. In more recent years and through reading I've become convinced that it was a beautiful and loving experience for him. I don't know if you are on Facebook but I have been following a page for Amber and her sweet mother. Amber has brain cancer and her life here on earth is almost complete. The page is Team Amber and I think you could be a loving help to her mother. I read her posts and it breaks my heart. You are very wise with your words and I feel like you could help her at this time. Just wanted to share that with you and if you feel inclined you can check her fb page out.Best wishes to you and I love reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteAshley, I love your blog. I have followed it for a few years but have never commented before. I lost my stepson in a car accident when he was 8 years old. At first i use to wonder all the time about how his transition was as he returned to our Heavenly Father. I just wanted to know that it wasn't painful and that it was a peaceful experience. After a lot of reading and as the years have passed I am now reassured that it was a loving experience and that he was greeted by family members who assisted him. I don't now if you are on Facebook but I follow a page for a girl named Amber who has brain cancer and is coming to the end of her earthly life. Her mother is struggling(as I understand) and it breaks my heart. I wanted to let you know because I feel like you could offer her some compassion and advice from your experience. You are very wise with your words and demonstrate a great deal of compassion. Her page is Team Amber. If you feel inclined go check it out. Thank you for your wonderful blog and your understanding of life and trials.
ReplyDeleteAwesome testimony. As a SCUBA diver I have been deep within the ocean and can tell you that God is definitely in the water. A few years ago I was struck with narcosis and lost my bearings. The entire time I was struggling a voice was reminding me of the safety measures I had learned. I believe the Holy Spirit guided my actions so that my life could continue. Even if I had perished beneath the water I would not have been alone.
ReplyDeleteI recommend Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife by Eben Alexander, M.D. Amazing story.
ReplyDeleteI was just going to suggest "The Message" and saw that someone else beat me to it. What I loved about that book (besides the fact that it only takes a day to read) is that it really helped me to understand how truly close our loved ones are with us on a day to day basis and how involved they are in our lives. It brings me such joy to think of my mom being able whisper in my ear and guide me through my life. I miss her so much but I know that she can participate in wondrous things that will help my family eternally. Families ARE forever and we need each other to assure we are in the eternities together. What a loving God we have to allow them to help us and to allow us to feel them! Thank you for sharing your life Ashley. I haven't lost a child but there have been difficult times in my life that I was able to get through a little easier because of your example.
ReplyDeleteI was going to suggest this one, too. I loved so many things about this book, but especially the parts Kim mentioned. Knowing my brother is here, helping me and guiding me, has brought so much peace to my heart. I feel him nearby often. And I loved how this book talks a lot about that fact. So many things mentioned in this book rang true to me.
DeleteI was going to suggest this one, too. I loved so many things about this book, but especially the parts Kim mentioned. Knowing my brother is here, helping me and guiding me, has brought so much peace to my heart. I feel him nearby often. And I loved how this book talks a lot about that fact. So many things mentioned in this book rang true to me.
DeleteI was going to suggest this one, too. I loved so many things about this book, but especially the parts Kim mentioned. Knowing my brother is here, helping me and guiding me, has brought so much peace to my heart. I feel him nearby often. And I loved how this book talks a lot about that fact. So many things mentioned in this book rang true to me.
DeleteI was just going to suggest "The Message" and saw that someone else beat me to it. What I loved about that book (besides the fact that it only takes a day to read) is that it really helped me to understand how truly close our loved ones are with us on a day to day basis and how involved they are in our lives. It brings me such joy to think of my mom being able whisper in my ear and guide me through my life. I miss her so much but I know that she can participate in wondrous things that will help my family eternally. Families ARE forever and we need each other to assure we are in the eternities together. What a loving God we have to allow them to help us and to allow us to feel them! Thank you for sharing your life Ashley. I haven't lost a child but there have been difficult times in my life that I was able to get through a little easier because of your example.
ReplyDeleteHave you watched the series I Survived...Beyond and Back on the Biography channel? They are true stories of people who died and came back to life and their account of what it was like on the other side. The stories are amazing and have brought me much peace while dealing with grief. I think you can find most of the episodes online. I also recommend Proof of Heaven.
ReplyDeleteas i wipe away the tears from watching this amazing video, i must thank you for sharing it. it is so beautiful to hear her words and descriptions of the transition and afterlife. i am so grateful that this is what my dear precious dad experienced a few years ago when he passed and it brings me such joy to know that when it is my time i too will feel that love and beauty. thank you.
ReplyDeleteA young boy emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven.
ReplyDeleteHeaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.
I read the book Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. It's about a little boy who died and went to heaven. He came and started sharing with his parents about his trip to heaven. It was a quick and easy read, but it brings up some good points to think about.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that video. I've been seeking my own understanding about that transition from life to death as well as the many miracles that happen all the time that reaffirm so much of what I feel in my heart. I read a book a few months ago that I think you would really love. It was an amazing read for me and one I was very guided to. The book is I Knew Their Hearts by Jeff Olsen. It opened my heart to some real understandings. I hope it will for you too. : )
ReplyDeleteI also recommend Proof of Heaven :) it's written by a neurosurgeon who I believe was an atheist before his near death experience.
ReplyDeletethis book is incredible: http://www.amazon.com/Mistaken-Identity-Families-Survivor-Unwavering/dp/1439153558/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392249834&sr=8-1&keywords=mistaken+identity
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm the only one here who read "Proof of Heaven" and found it really really boring and too scientific for my taste. BUT, that being said, I also read "90 minutes in Heaven" by Don Piper and his account of angels welcoming him into Heaven is so incredibly beautiful and rings so eerily true to everything we hear in LDS hymns and talks by church leaders. I highly recommend reading it if you can find the time :)
ReplyDeleteAshley, thank you for sharing that video. Pondering Mary's words about the love of God and especially when she says, "The fact that there is life after death profoundly changes the way I approach every moment," has given me a lot to think about and a renewed desire to seek the love of God in my life. So thank you.
ReplyDeleteAshley - As a nurse I think I can tell you that if Preslee had been struggling for breath, scared or in pain she would have had bruises, I think I read that she didn't have any, in fact, the words used were she looked so "peaceful." I think she was at peace, she wasn't scared, struggling or in pain. From the time she went in the water she was at peace and she had people she recognized, that made her happy, right beside her the entire time. I truly believe this and I hope it can offer you some measure of peace. A blog friend, Lynn
ReplyDeleteThank you for leaving your comment, I had never thought of this before. It made me cry, good tears of course.There wasn't a bruise on her body. What a blessing.
DeleteI truly believe it; I'm glad there good tears and it was a blessing for you; I hope it can be a weight lifted and a fear dispelled and now you can be at peace just as she is at peace. You need to be at peace to deal with your 3 boys! LOL You are taking all the right steps and doing all the right things; looking good in difficult circumstances my friend. Lynn
ReplyDeleteI loved "The Message" as well! Another good one to check out is "Held By The Hand Of God: Why Am I Alive" by Joe Laws http://heldbythehandofgod.com/. It is a truly amazing book that gives me proof that heaven is real!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Betty :-). Joe's book sounds very good. I've been looking for a book like this one!
DeleteYou're welcome Leesa. I hope you enjoy Joe's book as much as I did.
ReplyDelete