Shortly after the pregnancy test, my husband and I were involved in a minor car accident. The roads were icy that day and the driver behind us rear-ended us. There was very minimal damage to the cars, and nobody got hurt. However, I immediately started worrying about the baby. My husband tried to convince me that the impact was too minor to possibly harm the baby. It was too early in the pregnancy to hear a heartbeat or see the baby in an ultrasound, so I tried telling myself to just relax until the fetus was large enough to be seen/heard in utero by my doctor.

Late that night, my husband had just fallen asleep when I really started to agonize in my mind that the pregnancy might be compromised. In fact, I became certain that something was wrong, even though I wasn't experiencing any cramps or bleeding. I couldn't bear the thought of waiting a few more weeks for the baby to get big enough for us to detect a heartbeat. I said to myself "God, please find a way to let me know the baby is okay". I had an eye on the clock, and it was 11:10 pm. This is when my "experience" occurred.

I dreamed there was a "man of light" standing at the top of a staircase. He was very nice and friendly, and waved me up the stairs. I walked up the staircase. He wore corduroy pants, his name was Mark, and he had green eyes and freckles. Clean, white shirt. And a lovely light/glow all around him. I asked, "Are you an angel?", and he said "well, something like that -- I have a message for you". He told me that God didn't want me to worry about the baby. He said the child would be delivered full-term, safe and sound. I told him I felt the pregnancy was in danger. He agreed that there was indeed a medical problem associated with the pregnancy, but it wouldn't matter in the least. The baby would be fine, he promised. He said the doctors wouldn't even be aware of the medical problem until after the baby was safely in our world. Mark talked with me until I felt 100% reassured. Toward the end of our conversation, I asked whether the baby was a boy or girl, and he said with a smile "you don't need to know that right now!" And I said, that's fine, I'll just go ahead and paint the nursery blue, because I'm pretty sure it's a boy. He winked at me, and then started walking away. I felt quite sad then, because it was time for me to go back down the staircase. But much to my delight, Mark turned a glance back to me and said "Hey, you're wrong. It's a GIRL". Then, he was gone and I was awake in my bed. The time on my clock was 11:10, turning to 11:11 pm. The experience had taken no time at all. I woke my husband and told him what had happened. Lucky for me, my husband didn't think I was crazy. He said "I believe you".

I missed Marko a lot during the months after the experience. I used to look around in crowds, hoping to see his face. I prayed for him to show up in my dreams, to no avail. I still hope to visit that special realm again, but I think it probably won't happen until I die. I think I was VERY fortunate to have this experience while still alive on Earth. I didn't worry for a moment during the rest of my pregnancy/labor. I knew my daughter would be fine.

As it turned out, our daughter was safely delivered into the world, 9 months later. When I delivered the afterbirth, the doctor remarked that the placenta was "no good" and it was a miracle that a healthy baby resulted. He called several nurses over to look at the bad placenta, but of course, it didn't matter because the baby was in excellent health. I never told my doctors about the dream.

Our daughter is now 16 years old. I used to wonder if maybe she'd turn out to be a wise prophet or something, because of the experience I had while pregnant. Alas, she's pretty much your typical teenager who keeps a messy bedroom, loves animals and complains about homework. She doesn't go to church. I asked her today to share her religious views with me, and she says she a pantheist. When I asked what that means, she said that every single thing in the world is divine.

At the time of your experience was there an associated life-threatening event?   No 

Was the experience difficult to express in words?  No     I feel I can explain it in words. However, I never talk about it. I wish I could tell people about it, but it's just too far out of the ordinary.

At what time during the experience were you at your highest level of consciousness and alertness?    I was highly conscious and alert during the whole experience. I say it was a "dream" only because I can't think of a better word. It was a real experience, not just a dream.

How did your highest level of consciousness and alertness during the experience compare to your normal everyday consciousness and alertness?      More consciousness and alertness than normal   My consciousness and alertness during the experience was heightened in every way. I'd even say it was near-perfect. Unfortunately, my normal everyday consciousness pales in comparison.

Please compare your vision during the experience to your everyday vision that you had immediately prior to the time of the experience.   My vision was the same as normal. Things looked better during my experience, but I don't think it's because my vision is normally bad. I think it's because I was in a nicer place.

Please compare your hearing during the experience to your everyday hearing that you had immediately prior to the time of the experience.   My hearing was the same.

Did you see or hear any earthly events that were occurring during a time that your consciousness / awareness was apart from your physical / earthly body?   No  

What emotions did you feel during the experience?   Relief, joy, love. It was great!  

Did you pass into or through a tunnel?   No  

Did you see an unearthly light?   Yes   The person/angel/messenger I talked to was filled with light. The whole area was bright. It wasn't the type of brightness where you'd need to wear sunglasses. It was a lovely, comfortable white light.

Did you seem to encounter a mystical being or presence, or hear an unidentifiable voice?   I encountered a definite being, or a voice clearly of mystical or unearthly origin
I had a real conversation with a very nice "person". I could hear his voice, just like I can hear anyone's voice. It wasn't someone I'd met before, but I immediately knew he was good.

Did you encounter or become aware of any beings who previously lived on earth who are described by name in religions (for example: Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, etc.)?   No  

Did you encounter or become aware of any deceased (or alive) beings?   Yes   I encountered a being, but it's not anyone I recognized.

Did you become aware of past events in your life during your experience?   No  

Did you seem to enter some other, unearthly world?   A clearly mystical or unearthly realm

Did time seem to speed up or slow down?   No
Time seemed normal. I feel like I spent 10-15 minutes in the experience. But, I awoke at the same time that I started the dream, which suggested that no (earthly) time had passed.

Did you suddenly seem to understand everything?   No
I certainly understood more than I normally do, but I wouldn't say I understood everything.

Did you reach a boundary or limiting physical structure?   Yes
I was prevented from going too far into the other realm. I could only stand at the top of the stairs. Nobody specifically told me I couldn't go further, but I understood that it wasn't my place. It was lovely there, but I knew I had to come back downstairs.

Did you come to a border or point of no return?   No

Did scenes from the future come to you?  Scenes from my personal future 
I didn't visually "see" scenes from my future, but somebody specifically and accurately told me what would happen.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness suggesting that there either is (or is not) continued existence after earthly life (�life after death�)?   Yes   I was aware that I'd someday return to the higher realm I was visiting. I temporarily have to stay downstairs. But, I'm looking forward to life after death.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness that God or a supreme being either does (or does not) exist?   Yes   I was aware that God exists. I no longer doubt it at all.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness that you either did (or did not) exist prior to this lifetime?   No  

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness that a mystical universal connection or unity/oneness either does (or does not) exist?   Yes   I was aware that I was connected with the universe. In fact, I realized it would be impossible to be disconnected. Although, in ordinary life, I usually can't feel the connection like I did during the experience. I now miss feeling that connection.

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding earthly life�s meaning or purpose?   No  

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding earthly life�s difficulties, challenges, or hardships?   No  

During your experience, did you encounter any specific information / awareness regarding love?   Yes   I felt incredible love. It's a little difficult to reflect on the experience, because this earthly experience doesn't feel as loving. It does help knowing that level of love exists, though. I hope to regain it someday.

During your experience, did you encounter any other specific information / awareness that you have not shared in other questions that is relevant to living our earthly lives?   No  

Did you have a sense of knowing special knowledge or purpose?   No  

What occurred during your experience included:   Content that was entirely not consistent with the beliefs you had at the time of your experience   I basically did believe in God before, but I had my doubts. Now I know for sure that God exists. The universe is much more amazing than I used to imagine.

How accurately do you remember the experience in comparison to other life events that occurred around the time of the experience?   I remember the experience more accurately than other life events that occurred around the time of the experience   The experience was the #1 standout event in my life. I'll never forget it.  

My experience directly resulted in:   Large changes in my life

Did you have any changes in your values or beliefs after the experience that occurred as a result of the experience?   Yes   I believe most of us spend too much time worrying about small things. I wish I could tell everyone they're going to be okay.

Do you have any psychic, non-ordinary or other special gifts after your experience that you did not have before the experience?   No       

Have you ever shared this experience with others?   Yes  I told my husband right away. I don't talk about it to anyone else. I do wish everyone could know my experience though. Maybe it would keep people from burdening themselves with worry and earthly (temporary) concerns.

Did you have any knowledge of near death experience (NDE) prior to your experience?   No  

What did you believe about the reality of your experience shortly (days to weeks) after it happened:   Experience was definitely real   Experience was real. I thought about it all the time in the weeks after it happened. I experienced grief because experience had ended, and I wished it could continue forever.

What do you believe about the reality of your experience at the current time:   Experience was definitely real   I still feel experience was real. I don't think about it as often, because I'm in a demanding job and need to concentrate on earthly concerns. Still, I do enjoy recalling the experience, and do so quite often.

Have your relationships changed specifically as a result of your experience?   Yes   I'm more lighthearted than I used to be. I don't hold any grudges. I could probably forgive anybody anything. I know this life is hard for people, and thankfully, this life isn't all there is. I'm lucky to have a special vantage point because of my experience.

Have your religious beliefs/spiritual practices changed specifically as a result of your experience?   No  

At any time in your life, has anything ever reproduced any part of the experience?   No     

Did the questions asked and information that you provided accurately and comprehensively describe your experience?   Yes