Researching some of the concepts I had been exposed to during the near death experience I discovered the terms NDE (near death experience), OBE or OOB (out of body experience) and more. Believe me, it was liberating to learn that others had had similar experiences. It provided some context for what I had been through. Even though I never doubted the reality of my occurrences, it was wonderful to know that there was information available to help provide clarity. 

Diving into the concepts from the NDE with both feet, I excitedly tried various experiments, read, recorded dreams, and did anything I could think of to help break the chains that bound me to old patterns of thought. Still, there were limits. I remained wary of leaving my body again. Although I now understood more about OBEs, I felt perfectly content to keep my little piece of consciousness safely tucked away within the perimeters of my skin. 

For almost seven years no consciously recalled OBEs threatened my calm. During those years I had experienced and made numerous records of instances involving telepathy, precognition, and more. But all of my experimentation occurred within the confines of my body. 

Then one day in May 1990, as Ed and I were driving from the Florida Keys to Jacksonville, it happened. Ed was driving down the highway as I lazily dozed. I was not really asleep, but was in a kind of semi-hypnotic state of drowsiness. 

Suddenly I whipped out of my body and instantaneously found myself observing a small boy, barely beyond being a toddler, playing on the ground behind an old purple truck. The truck�s engine purred to life. Somehow I �knew� that it was the child�s father in the truck. 

The entire realization took just a matter of seconds, and in those seconds I also 'knew' that the father did not know that his small son was playing behind the truck. Having no power to intercede, I watched helplessly as the truck went into reverse, and ran over the little child. 

What ever happened next in the physical world was lost to me. Immediately the entirety of my attention was on the little one. No doubt that his injuries had been critical because I saw his little spirit rise from his body. I can�t really say that I saw his essence leave the body, although there was a sort of living vapor. It was more of a sensing; presumably using one of the inner senses I had been introduced to. 

Immediately it was clear that the little spirit, or unit of consciousness, was bewildered. He appeared to be disoriented and unsure of what to do. Right away I went to his aid, reassuring him thru mental communication that everything was all right. I asked if I could lead him to his destination, and he agreed. We drifted toward the distant light as I explained to him that he would be greeted, and assisted. He calmed significantly and continued journeying toward the pinpoint of light. 

That was the last I saw of him. Instantly I was back in my body and rousing myself. Stunned, I told Ed what had happened. I never knew who he was, or how I had become drawn in to his situation. 

In hindsight, the situation raised a number of questions. Was this one of the reasons for my own NDE? Had it been a training ground for understanding and helping others who were newly deceased? Did some people need help when they initially passed away? So many questions. 

Admittedly I was none to keen about the idea of being a tour guide to the newly departed. No thank you. Plus, I preferred tasks that allowed me to stay in my body. It was my keenest desire that this had been a one-time anomaly. 

Coincidentally (note that I am smiling) a short time later I saw an Oprah show about NDEs. One of the audience members told a story about having had a dream in which he witnessed a bus crash. As he watched the aftermath of the crash he saw several souls begin to march or float away from their bodies. Instinctively he went to their aid and led them towards a white light that appeared to be waiting for them. 

When he woke up the next day he saw on the news that a serious bus crash had occurred the night before. Several people had died. The man then became convinced that there was a definite element of reality to his dream. He surmised that he had somehow left his body and assisted the deceased crash victims. You can imagine how interested I was to hear his story. 

In closing, suffice it to say that while this was my first experience in assisting the new or soon to be departed, it was not to be the last.

Any associated medications or substances with the potential to affect the experience?   No   

Was the kind of experience difficult to express in words?   No   

At the time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening event?   No   

What was your level of consciousness and alertness during the experience?   High

Was the experience dream like in any way?   slightly only in the fact that upon re-entering my body I kept having to repeat details to myself so that it did not vanish like dreams do.

Did you experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?   Yes   Unaware of having any form.

What emotions did you feel during the experience?    Surprise, then concern for the little boy, and comfort that I knew how to help him.

Did you hear any unusual sounds or noises?    No

Did you recognize any familiar locations or any locations from familiar religious teachings or encounter any locations inhabited by incredible or amazing creatures?    No   

Did you see a light?    Yes    I led the child towards it.

Did you meet or see any other beings?    No   

Did you experiment while out of the body or in another, altered state?   No    Not during this one.

Did you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience that could be verified later?   No    I have during other out of bodies.        

Did you have any sense of altered space or time?    Yes    I arrived at the boys location instantly.

Did you have a sense of knowing, special knowledge, universal order and/or purpose?    Yes    I knew that I had the knowledge to help the boys spirit reach its destination after he died.

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?    No   

Did you become aware of future events?    No   

Were you involved in or aware of a decision regarding your return to the body?    No   

Did you have any psychic, paranormal or other special gifts following the experience that you did not have prior to the experience?    Yes    Actually I began to develop them after an earlier NDE                  

Have you shared this experience with others?    Yes