| After Death Communications are NOT Death Bed Visions, Near Death Experiences, or Precognitive Encounters, Being a Responsible Researcher By Carla Wills-Brandon, Ph.D. For the last twenty five years, I have been investigating a phenomenon known as the death-bed vision. Along with this I have also researched the psychological impact of reported communications from the deceased. I have listened to close to two thousand death-related communication accounts from individuals from every walk of life, around the globe. In doing this, I have been privileged to hear some amazing stories. Being a clinical trauma specialist for close to thirty years, my work has rotated around extreme trauma, death, dying, the psychology of spirituality and the process of grieving. One would think after so many years, I would have reached "burn-out," but my interest in the psychology of these very human experiences continues. Death-bed visions, as reported by not only the dying but those who care for them, along with communications from the deceased, as reported by survivors, cross all races, creeds, religions, socio- economic groups, age ranges and genders. These two specific types of reported encounters, along with those of a similar nature, have a historical legacy in both literature and science. Many of you who are currently reading this article have made wonderful contributions to the study of such phenomenon, while others are contemplating how they can add to the credibility of the field. Everyone is needed to further and expand on such legacies. At the turn of the last century, researchers openly investigated the constituents which made up such encounters. Within the populations of the time, near death experiences (NDEs), communications after death (now popularly termed ADC), pre-death or death-bed visions (DBVs) and premonitions where part of popular culture and spirituality. With the advent of the measurable "cause and effect" method of scientific investigation, experiences such as the above were no longer of interest to modern researchers. Such encounters were difficult to measure with the "cause and effect" mode of scientific exploration. Over the last decade, there has been an increase in interest in this area of the human experience. More investigators are taking the risk and returning to the exploration of age old questions like, does consciousness survive physical death? And if so, what can this tell us about the human living experience? Being an investigator in this field, and the author of several books and numerous articles discussing such topics, I’m often asked to review manuscripts for publication, along with Doctoral or Master’s projects. Over the years this has been interesting work for me. I’ve enjoyed watching the field grow as the next generation of authors and researchers begin to flourish. Unfortunately, in recent years I’ve noticed a new trend. Some authors are combining the many aspects of communication from deceased individuals under the ADC umbrella and I must say I have a great deal of concern about this. On certain websites dedicated to the ADC experience, deathbed visions and near death experiences are listed as "after death communications." This minimizes the work of individuals like Moody, Grey, and Ring, who were some of the first to investigate NDEs. Such "lumping" also takes credit from death bed vision investigators like Barrett, Osis and Haraldsson. The need to place all death communication experiences into one category steals from all of us the opportunity to appreciate the specific nuances each form of contact has to offer. A departing vision takes place before actual death occurs. It cannot be seen as an after death communication, because "after death" is what it implies. As author, researcher and founding member of the International Association for Near Death Studies John White recently put it, "With the DBV, the distinction is very simple and unquestionable: the time of death of the percipient and the perceived. If the percipient had the experience while the perceived was still alive, it is by definition a DBV. If the percipient had the experience after the perceived was deceased, it is then by definition an ADC." Precognition of death is a precognitive experience and it too occurs before, not after, a death. ADCs are events which occur after a death. The authors and researchers who have put not only DBVs and NDEs into the category of the after death communication, but precognitive experiences, need direction from the more experienced generation of investigators. Otherwise, such combining of experiences will dilute not only the units of measure which define the significance of the ADC, but will minimize the uniqueness of the other types of pre death experiences. Death phobia permeates Western culture and more research is needed, but if investigators are not cautious with regard to their specific definitions of the topics they are exploring and discussing, the field as a whole will lose credibility. Because these accounts are spontaneous and difficult to measure quantitatively, caution must be taken in how they are reported. Continuing to look for consistency from experiencer to experiencer will be well worth while, but it will become difficult if the different types of experience are blended into one common death related paranormal encounter. With reference to this new trend, exploration into the similarities is essential, but I hope in the future the differences within the specific categories will also be respected. Personally, I utilize the idea of the "spiritually transformative experience" when attempting to discuss all encounters at one time. Another area of investigation which is in need of further responsible exploration and inclusion by new authors and researches involves a category for the disruptive psychological consequences these encounters often produce for the experiencer. In past research, this area of the experience was almost always explored. Sadly, some of today’s new investigators and authors are not trained as clinicians and in their writings they neglect discussing this aspect of these encounters. The tendency is to focus on flowery positives, with limited regard for the emotional difficulties experiencers must often confront. In a few writings, I have even seen grief negated or extremely minimized, not by experiencers, but with assumptions made by authors. With regard to the death-bed vision, near death experience, precognition, sense of universal connection and communications from the deceased, in my last book, "A Glimpse of Heaven," I focused in on the often neglected aspect of initial psychological disruption for the experiencer. Many experiencers report they physically feel different or suffer physical ailments after such encounters. Reported psychological difficulty, such as confusion, feeling alienated, or depressed, spiritually lost, intense mood swings, along with a host of emotional issues, can occur after an encounter. This consequence sadly often appears to be neglected by new investigators and authors. The arena of difficult psychological consequences and emotional restructuring, both of which can create years of discomfort for experiencers, must be more prominent in future books and research papers. The survivalist field of investigation is full of challenges and all of us need to be working together to give credence to what we have discovered within our own unique, but similar, explorations and research. Being involved in this arena of the human experience can be exciting and rewarding, but we must also be responsible. Inaccurate data reporting, minimization of the importance of each area of study and an over zealous ego, demanding credit where credit is not due, can impact all of us. When I began investigating the departing visions of the dying and those who are connected to them, I quickly learned several things. I immediately discovered that those investigators who came before me had built a foundation upon which I could stand. For this, I will forever be grateful. Without the ground breaking contributions of these brave souls, I would not have had a "beginning." I must respect the gifts I have so freely received. Secondly, I discovered this journey was a "we" experience, not a "me" experience. With this knowledge I have tried to be a team player, adding to the field, understanding I’m not "inventing the wheel." All I’m doing is fine tuning one very small spoke of the wheel. Thirdly, I am responsible. If I see research which is inaccurate or minimizing of the investigations of others, I can’t "hide out" and ignore what is happening. If I do this, I’m no longer a part of the solution. Instead, I’m only contributing to a possible blossoming problem, which in the end could discredit us all. |
| THE NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE: A Major Shift in What We Know About the Phenomenon There has been a major shift in the field of Near-Death Studies. A revolution is under way. From the author of THE BIG BOOK OF NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE, researcher of near-death states since 1978, explorer of spiritual transformations since 1966, author of over thirteen books, P. M. H. Atwater, L.H.D. takes us from the days where the myths of "the light at the end of the tunnel" and "the religion of the resuscitated" dominated the sensationalization of near-death experiences, to the scientific studies of today. The near-death phenomenon is now the number one choice of scientists worldwide to study consciousness itself. Join the members of Virginia 's Chrysalis in Waynesboro , VA , for this special presentation taped on October 17, 2007 that synergizes the entire subject, and brings us up-to-date with the new material and new findings that are "rocking" the field. It is now known that out-of-body experiences, the dead coming back, visitors from other realms, otherworldly journeys, are normal and typical to the experience, and are no longer regarded as signs of oxygen deprivation, the dying brain, or hallucinatory episodes. Over 100 medical schools offer classes that cover the phenomenon; medical teams the world over are increasingly alert to the importance of such occurrences. They have the power to change lives and even alter one's physiology, sometimes to remarkable degrees. The near-death experience continues to amaze and surprise everyone! Order your copy today from PMH's Online Bookshop! http://cinemind.com/store/page5.html The Website of P.M.H. Atwater http://www.pmhatwater.com Q&A: http://pmhatwater.blogspot.com News: http://atwaterndenews.blogspot.com Video: VIDEO Available for talks and workshops, personal sessions, readings, and prayer service. Check out my Appearance Schedule for an engagement near you. Also explore 'the Marketplace,' for some wonderful surprises. |
Memories...
| Hi Local Group Leaders and Representatives, IANDS Office Move to Durham, NC Completed New address: IANDS, 2741 Campus Walk Ave - Bldg 500, Durham, NC 27705-8878 New phone / fax number: 919-383-7940 Office manager: say "Hi" to Rhonda Bailey. Note: Patience please while some office procedures are still in transition. IANDS Board Votes to Add Director to Represent Groups At the in-person board meeting just completed in Durham, NC March 28 - 30, the IANDS board of directors voted unanimously to add a director at large position to be selected by IANDS groups in a process to be developed by the joint board / group leader task force. The joint task force was created as a result of the communiqué and recommendations from last year's IANDS Leaders Seminar. The joint task force will begin developing the process for selecting the at large director position at its next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 9. The next IANDS Leaders Council conference call (see below) will also be devoted to this topic. The joint task force is chaired by Steve Anderson, leader of the Twin Cities IANDS group. Steve holds dual citizenship as he is also a member of the IANDS board of directors, holding the position of Treasurer. Group representatives on the task force include: Dave Bennett (Upstate NY IANDS), Beverly Brodsky (San Diego IANDS), Diane Willis (Chicago IANDS), and Kim Clark Sharp (Seattle IANDS). Other IANDS board members on the task force are Diane Corcoran, Allen Katzoff and Chuck Swedrock. Please reply to me (chucks@iands.org) or contact another task force member if you would like to comment or make suggestions for the process of selecting an at large IANDS board member to represent groups. Comments on the "Second Pam Reynolds Case" The following report is from IANDS group leader, Ron Parks (Salem, OR IANDS). "I am just finishing reading a brand new book by Allan Hamilton, MD (Neurosurgeon) entitled 'The Scalpel and the Soul'. One of the stories he tells, in a chapter entitled 'Soul Survivor', sounds a lot like the Pam Reynolds case. The patient is given the name 'Sarah Gideon', was about 34, and she has a similar aneurysm operation in Phoenix at the Barrow Neurological Institute by a Dr. Thomas Reed. They cool down her body, stop her heart, and the brain shuts down. He does not talk about clickers in the ears, or an ability to identify the bone saw. She is able to 'remember' some dialog (nothing about small veins in the legs, like Pam) and is able to describe some of the people and a conversation about one of the surgical nurses getting engaged and a custom square-cut ring. He says that maybe 6 months later, she was included a documentary movie (which I can't find) called "Back from the Dead". A year after the operation, she was killed in a car accident, when her car was hit by a dump truck. It sounded enough like the Pam Reynolds case that I was beginning to wonder. Have you heard about this case?" The following analogous report was received from Dr. Bruce Greyson (plus take a moment to read the referenced article on the web): "Many of you have heard about the second case of an NDE during hypothermic circulatory arrest, recently published in The Scalpel and the Soul by neurosurgeon Allan Hamilton. In this case, which also originated at the Barrow Neurological Institute (as did the Pam Reynolds case), the patient reportedly repeated details of a conversation that definitively occurred during her period of flat EEG, such as the name of the jeweler where one of the nurses' fiancé has purchased her engagement ring. Titus Rivas has just alerted me to a report by Michael Tymm ( http://metgat.gaia.com/blog/2008/3/back_from_the_dead) that contains an addendum to the story in which Hamilton acknowledged that this account was actually an amalgam blending the features of more than one case, rather than a single case report. Titus's e-mail includes an e-mailed admission from Hamilton: 'The addendum is accurate as reported. The case is, at best, illustrative. Nothing more.' One can only hope that this won't end up as more fodder for the debunkers' claims that all our stories are exaggerations of outright fantasies." Since this case raises a potential controversy that may find its way to your group, please be informed in order to answer queries in this regard. IANDS 2008 Strategic Plan Feedback Sought (PLEASE RESPOND BY APRIL 23) The IANDS board completed the 2008 version of the IANDS Strategic Plan (being sent as an attachment in a separate email with the subject "2008 IANDS Strategic Plan"). The new plan is streamlined and has an improved section on mission, vision and values that are the backbone of what IANDS stands for and it is significant for all IANDS groups to understand and support. Please read and send any comments or suggestions to IANDS board member and publications committee chairperson, Nancy Bush at <mailto:nancyb@iands.org> nancyb@iands.org If you do not receive the separate email or your email has problems receiving attachments (MS Word document), reply to this email indicating that you need the "text version". Next IANDS Leaders Council Conference Call is Tuesday, April 15 - 9pm EDT / 6pm PDT Please join the next conference call at the above date and time to participate in developing the process for electing an IANDS Board Member at Large (BMAL) to represent IANDS groups. Please reply to this email indicating that you would like to be added to the email list for the Leaders Council If you are not currently receiving the monthly council agenda email with telephone number and passcode for participating in these calls. Still Time for 2008 Leader Seminar Registration Did you receive the "2008 IANDS Leader Seminar" bulletin email sent a few days ago? It contained the details of this year's seminar including this year's feature session with new IANDS board member, Julie Lapham, PhD, entitled "The Great Law of Peace from the Iroquois Nation" plus special attractions that include a demo of the new IANDS Speakers Bureau or come enjoy a fun new game using IANDS vernacular and don't miss sharing some rare videos featuring initial interviews and documentaries by key individuals from the early days of NDE media efforts. Of course, what really counts is the opportunity to network and develop a sense of community with other IANDS group leaders - for groups of all sizes and styles. Please reply to "chucks@iands.org" and ask for the text version of the seminar agenda and registration details if you had problems with or can't find the bulletin sent earlier this week...! Dr. Raymond Moody, Jr., M.D. To Be On Radio Talk Show Thursday, April 10 at 6pm Raymond Moody will be a guest on the radio talk show Your Mental Health www.blogtalkradio.com/yourmentalhealth on Thursday , April 10, 2008 at 6 PM EST. The show is aired live and callers are invited to call in to ask Dr. Moody questions pertaining to his work on near-death experiences (NDE's), grief and loss. The listener call in number for the show is (347) 838-9159. Find more details in the following web article http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/04/prweb832034.htm Brain Scientist Tells of Watching Her Brain During a Stroke If you haven't had the opportunity, it is highly recommended that you make the time to watch this 18 minute web video of Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor in a captivating presentation of realizing she was having a stroke and making mental notes of the event. She then relates the extended awareness and changes that were a result of the experience. Many thanks to Lynn Robinson, leader of the IANDS group in Mobile, AL for sharing this... go to http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/229 to watch the video and you can also click on "read transcript" to have the option of seeing and listening or reading, or both. ENJOY! Many thanks for your continued support and time devoted to enriching the world with spirit of the IANDS mission. Kindest regards, +/Chuck |
| News |
| Check out this interesting website from my friend Mel Van DUSEN. Mel has done some excellent interviews with NDE'r researchers, authors, spiritual Healers and Leaders... www.melpresents.com |
| CHECK OUT OUR AUDIO AND VIDEO LINKS... |
Please Read and reach out to a sister... Hi Nadia, Below are some updates from Linda and Martha in reguard to Juliet Nightingale at the last teleconference I memtioned I had spoke with her daughter (Djamal) and she has stomach and pelvic cancer and is in Hospice care at home. Juliet has been on a liquid diet since mid december due to the pain of digestion. She decided to not treat the cancer and is satisfied with going home. I know you will all send her light and love. Dave Email from Linda today, Juliet Nightingale is in hospice care now. I talked to her today and she would like to hear from you and other fireflies by phone or email. She cancelled her radio show today do to her health. She has been unable to work and is worried about how to pay for her cremation. Does anyone know if that is covered under hospice? She was very lucid today and talked about her mission here and wants to find someone to continue her radio show and work. Please pass this on to the fireflies. If they don’t know Juliet, pl ease send her love and light. Blessings, Linda Email from Martha St. Claire today, Hi All, I have been in touch with Juliet's daughter, Djamal, several times this past week. At the VA Beach FOI, where I spoke in Oct., Juliet introduced me and then came to lunch after. She could not eat much and her stomach was painful. She has been amazing in her service regarding NDEs and her many websites etc, not to mention interviewing so many people on her programs. What dedication and talent she has! What an amazing soul. I was told that she was not taking many phone calls, so it sounds like she's perked up a bit perhaps. Thanks, Linda for letting us know about the call. I don't know about cremation being covered or not. Let's all pray for Juliet and Djamal on all levels. We surely understand her longing to go home to20the light. This is a recent blog of hers on one of her websites. Feel free to forward my email. http://lightonthewater.ning.com/profiles/blogs/treasures-that-last-an Love and light, Martha ___________________ Martha Anne St. Claire, M.A. www.marthastclaire.com Toward The Light PO Box 3773 Hampton, Virginia, 23663 USA Tel. 757.772.0227 or 615.292.2217 (mobile) If anyone sends a Cheque Please pay to Rev. Juliet Nightingale. In Love & Gratitude Only Love Prevails Rev. Juliet Nightingale, Exp.D Toward The Light www.TowardTheLight.org ~ Near-Death Studies & Support w ww.TowardTheLight.info ~ TTL Media & Information http://www.bbsradio.com/towardthelight/ ~ TTL Radio Show |
Ned Dougherty is the author of the book FAST LANE TO HEAVEN published in March 2001. Based on his two near-death experiences in 1984, Ned's book predicted the events of 9-11-2001; the Middle East Terrorism & Wars; the Asian Tsunami and the related Earth Axis Shift; the truth behind Global Warming; the Global Threat from China; the current and future Global Economic Crisis, and more. In his riveting two-hour presentation and Q&A period, Ned will reveal more of what we can expect in 2009 and future years! No admission fee. Free-will offering suggested to Mission of Angels Foundation (a 501 (c)(3) Public Charity)Contact information: Ned Dougherty P. O. Box 58, Southampton NY 11969email: ndened1@fastlanetoheaven.com website: www.fastlanetoheaven.com Speaking Event Requests: To request a Ned Dougherty Speaking Event in your area, call toll-free: 800-253-5218 The Christmas Season is not yet over! The Mission of Angels Store www.missionofangels.org is still open with special offerings for the Holy & Holiday Season. Our quarterly newsletter, ON ANGELS WINGS is a great gift idea, especially the ONLINE PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP for internet users which can be delivered by email as a gift to your online family members, friends, and loved ones within 24 hours. Or the SNAIL MAIL (USPS Postal) MEMBERSHIP, particularly for family members or loved ones who do not have internet access. Each quarterly edition of ON ANGELS WINGS contains three months of messages as well as Ned’s commentaries and other articles. NEW! In addition to ON ANGELS WINGS, you will also receive periodic and timely editions of St. Michael the Archangel’s END TIMES JOURNAL Ned Dougherty introduces you to the New World Order (NWO) and their plans to destroy the sovereignty of the United States of America and to create a one- world government. Crucial future events that are anticipated in the years 2008-2012 will be reported exclusively in St. Michael the Archangel’s END TIMES JOURNAL Gift boxes of St. Therese Blessed Oil & Lourdes Miracle Water are special gifts for the season, as well as the Spiritual Survival Kit of sacramentals, which include a Luminescent Rosary, Green Scapular, Miraculous Medal, Prayer Cards & Brochures, and 1 oz. bottles of St. Therese Blessed Oil and Lourdes Miracle Water. Ned’s book FAST LANE TO HEAVEN continues to forecast many of the major events that are taking place since the book’s publication in March 2001, including the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001, the Asian Tsunami & Shifting of the Earth’s Axis, mega- hurricanes such as Katrina, the true cause of freakish and erratic weather patterns that scientists are identifying as Global Warming, the oil wars in the Middle East, the coming global economic collapse, and more. FAST LANE TO HEAVEN is highly recommended for the Holiday Season, particularly for those of you who are struggling with issues such as spiritual emptiness, fear of death, grief and bereavement issues, a family member or loved one facing illness or death, and alcohol or drug abuse issues, especially among young family members and friends. DVDs, VHS and CDs are also available. Titles include FAST LANE TO HEAVEN, Ned’s speaking presentation of his story, and HEAVEN HELPS US: Messages from Jesus, Mary, & St. Michael the Archangel As always, your donations and support will assist in our continuing the Mission of Angels Foundation in 2009, which will prove to be a pivotal year in the unfolding of events. Please support us by visiting the Mission of Angels Online Store at Mission of Angels Foundation Call toll-free (800) 253-5218. God bless you and your family!Ned Dougherty VISIT the Mission of Angels Online Store: Mission of Angels Foundation FORWARD this email to family members, friends, and loved ones! SUBSCRIBE to this list by creating a NEW MESSAGE with the word SUBSCRIBE in the SUBJECT line Email: ndened1@fastlanetoheaven.comImportant! In the message text area, please include your full name and postal address, including zip code, and country for proper identification and email geographical routing. REMOVE from this list by creating a NEW MESSAGE with the word REMOVE in the SUBJECT line: Email: ndened1@fastlanetoheaven.com CONTACT Ned Dougherty by creating a NEW MESSAGE tondened1@fastlanetoheaven.com In the SUBJECT line, insert: YourName/City/State/Country. Example: JohnSmith/Albany/NY/USA. Include forward slashes. No spaces.Although Ned Dougherty attempts to read all incoming emails, he regrets that he can no longer respond to every email request due to the high volume of emails received. SPEAKING EVENT REQUESTS To request or arrange a speaking event or retreat weekend in your area, please call toll-free: 800-253-5218. PRAYER REQUESTS Send Prayer Requests by email: ndened1@fastlanetoheaven.com |
| Leslee Morabito A one-time staff member and friend of IANDS since its early days at the University of Connecticut, passed at her home in Trinidad, California on January 13, 2009. In the early 1980s, a time when most people calling the IANDS office began with "I hope you won't think I'm crazy, but...," Leslee was often the first person a bewildered experiencer ever told about an NDE or its sometimes disturbing effects. Although not a near-death experiencer, she had had similar events in her own life and credited them for helping her become an understanding listener who kept an open mind; she heard hundreds of people's stories, respected their experience, and never, ever imposed her own ideas or interpretations on a caller. Countless experiencers talked with her on the phone and many kept up correspondence with her, some for years. In a newspaper interview this past fall, a Connecticut woman who had struggled following an NDE two decades ago remembered Leslee as a major influence in turning her life around. Leslee was diagnosed with breast cancer last spring and had been doing exceptionally well, but her condition took a sudden aggressive turn just after Christmas. She went into home hospice care the first week of January, spent two weeks saying her goodbyes to those she loved, and died peacefully January 13, with her husband Ed, son Seth, and her animals at the bedside. Note :Leslee's sister has posted an eulogy on Facebook and is asking everyone on Facebook that knew Leslee or knows someone that knew Leslee to go to the Courant Obit (see link below) and click on view/sign guestbook and please sign the book. She has also uploaded some photos on there (and will be adding more) so be sure to check those out too.....then pass the link on to anyone you know that you think would sign the book. www.legacy.com/LifeStory &PersonID=123630666"> &PersonID=123630666">www.legacy.com/DeathNotices Rev. Juliet Nightingale passed on February 28, 2009. Juliet, an IANDS member since 1998, provided support and education on NDEs and related subjects through her websites http://www.towardthelight.org/ and http://lightonthewater.ning.com/ . Juliet also produced a highly regarded internet radio show on this theme (archived programs and a list of program guests can be found at http://www.towardthelight.org/ttlradioshow/ttlradioguests.html Here is the note from Juliet's daughter, DJamil Graham, as DJamil shares her experience of Juliet's transition: "Juliet and I were hanging out alone together sharing one of the very few quiet moments of this whole process. I was meditating beside her when my eyes were suddenly open and on her. My heart started pounding and I saw her go into the apneic breathing that she had been going in and out of for a couple of weeks. In my mind I heard 'oh yeah?' and my heart pounded more as I saw white light come between us. They were like big snow flakes and I could barely see her body through them. These snowflakes gently descended all around us and as gently in a seemingly perfect rhythm ascended taking her spirit with them. Once again she is happy and free. This was yesterday (Saturday, 28 February 2009) about 1:30pm. I would like to share more...after I get some rest. Thank you all once again and thank you Juliet for sharing your friends with me so we could send you off together, and thank you for being my mum. You were the best mumlight! love, DJamil The blog with comments from many of Juliet's friends and supporters can be found at: http://lightonthewater.ning.com/ (go to DJamil's blog under the menu "Blogs"). Check back on this website for additional information as it is posted and to add comments of your own in support of Juliet's legacy for helping many in the IANDS community and beyond. |
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| Description: These women are brazen They are tough, independent and smart. They waited for no one. Someone needed to compile a list of "POWERFUL MOTHERS" The time has come POWERFUL MOTHERS! Click on the link above |
| Father: Son's Spirit Saved My Life ChannelCincinnati.com February 28, 2008 BUTLER, Ky. - Four weeks after a tragic fire claimed a 4-year-old boy, the boy's father talks about his efforts to save his son and the supernatural guidance that he said saved his life. Jamie Hughes said that he thought he would die, trapped in his burning house. He said he would have died had the spirit of the son he was trying to save not guided him. For Hughes and his wife Christa, there is no escaping the tragedy. Four weeks ago an early-morning fire destroyed their Butler, Ky., home and killed their son Billy. Billy's parents said they were in the bedroom when they realized the house was on fire. Jamie Hughes said he told his wife to jump out the bedroom window, then threw two blankets over his head and started searching for Billy. He said he was almost immediately overcome by flames, and at one point stumbling into a pile of burning clothes, disfiguring one of his hands. "I looked at my hand for a split second and forgot about it. That quick. Because I had one mission in mind, and that was finding my son," said Hughes. But as the inferno grew, Hughes said realized there was no way his son was still alive. "I could hear everything. I could hear the house burning, I could hear the house creaking," said Hughes. "And then I hear this little voice." He said the voice continued speaking. "I hear this little voice say, 'Get out. Daddy get out.' And I about went to my knees," said Hughes. He said he found a window, and punched it with his one good hand, but it didn't break. "I hear this little voice again, 'Daddy get out.' The next time I hit the window it busted," said Hughes. As he climbed from the burning house, he said he looked back one last time. "I turn around and I see -- I see two shadows standing on the stairwell. One was my son and one was my father I lost two years ago," said Hughes. "That let me know that my son was fine." Hughes spent the next three weeks in the burn unit, mourning his son. "It's a hard thing to deal with," said Hughes. He said he's not sure why he keeps coming back to the scene of the tragedy, other than the fact that memories are all he has left. "I mean I know he's not here. He's in heaven with my dad and the rest of my family. But, I mean, it's hard -- it's home," said Hughes. Investigators said they still haven't figured out what caused the fire. The Hughes family has relied on the support of the community to get back on their feet. A benefit has been planned for this Saturday at St. Xavier church in Falmouth. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23386584 |
| EXCELLENT CASSIC GERMAN DOCUMENTARY NOW IN ENGLISH |
| With PMH Atwater, Susan Blackmore, Nadia McCaffrey and many more..... <<<This documentary was part of a National Television Series in Germany |
| GERMAN ORIGINAL VIDEO VERSION OF TODESERFARUNG. DIMENSION PSI DOCUMENTARY FOR ARTE TELEVISION (EU) |
| TELEVISION INTERVIEW WITH MEL AND NADIA McCAFFREY |
| ENGLISH VIDEO VERSION OF TODESERFARUNG. DIMENSION PSI DOCUMENTARY MADE BY ARTE TELEVISION (EU) |
| ^ Click on the Link Above ^ |