My Mom’s Near Death Experience – In Her Own Words

*Before we jump into tonight’s amazing story (I can say that because it’s not mine 🙂 ) I have 2 quick announcements.

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OK NOW ONTO TONIGHT’S POST!!

Where do we go when we die?

That’s the question that everyone – believer or not – has longed to find the answer to. Is it Heaven? The white Pearly Gates? Is it nowhere – and we’re doomed to eternity in the cold, dark earth? Do we come back, reincarnated as Justin Bieber’s pet monkey? Do we become a star in the night sky? Really…Where do we go?

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As you know, my mom had a stroke back in December. And I’ve never shared this, but she was “gone” for about 45 minutes. And during that time, she had…well…a near death experience. And came back with a lot to say.

I don’t know if what she experienced was Heaven, but it sure sounds like it. And the vision she came back with has been continuing to come up and impact our lives ever since in big ways. — Even just yesterday.

So I had the honor of sitting down and listening to her story in her own words.

So I invite you to take a listen. I promise you, it will move in your sprit and bring you such peace and hope.

Thank you mama, for having the courage to share such an intimate part of your story with us.

And for those of you who would rather read than listen, I’ve transcribed our conversation below.

Thanks for listening.

_________(Click the red play button in the box below or follow this link!)________________

Well, hi mama.

Hi Care.

How are you doing tonight?

I’m doing great. How are you doing?

Good. So I wanted to just, first of all, thank you for doing this. It’s really brave of you to want to share your story. I mean, this is something that, I mean, I don’t know of anyone else who’s had an experience like this, and so it’s really cool that you’d want to share this.

Well, I’m happy to do so.

So, you wanna get into it, and go back to December 27, 2016?

Well, sure. So, on December 27, we were out to dinner and I had kind of, overlapping vision. I was having a hard time seeing and we got a phone call and had to leave, and so we got up to leave and I felt really strange. I felt like the room was kind of spinning. And by the time I got to the front steps of the doorway, I pretty much just passed out. And I fell down the steps, and so then dad picked me up and carried me to the car, and I think I was just like, a ton of bricks, you know? So anyway…

It was really scary. I was with you.

I know.

And I always tell people, I know you didn’t watch the show, but, The O.C. – do you remember how I used to watch that show in high school?

Yes.

Well the most famous scene from it is when Ryan Atwood is carrying Marissa Cooper, who’s…who had just died in a car accident – and he’s carrying her, like, in his arms and her head is limp all the back, and her arms and everything, it’s just like carrying, you know… and that’s how dad was carrying you into the emergency room. It was just the most terrifying thing.

I’m so sorry that you had to see that Care.

Oh, mama, it’s okay.

It must have been really scary. But anyway, the story turns out pretty good, because…Anyway, I was unconscious, right. I think was unconscious for about 45 minutes. So, a lot can happen in 45 minutes, and what happened to me was that I – believe it or not, it sounds very funny, but, I did have a religious vision during this time. And so, what I saw was a long path and over the top of the pathway were these hands that were extended and I just knew that they were God’s hands. I didn’t see Him, but I say His hands.

Were they scary, or were they like…

No, no, they were nice hands. They were good hands. And then off to the right, in what seemed to be kind of misty clouds, were a series of faces, and I knew most of these people They were old friends of my mom.

Wow.

And then…

Were they interacting with you, or were they just kind of there?

No, they were just smiling. Like they knew me, and they were really glad to see me, and they were happy. And so they were up on the right, and then my vision went to the very end of this long road, and you know how a road narrows as it gets longer…you can barely see the road.

Yeah.

So that’s what this vision was, and at the end of the road, there was this little tiny figure of this man, and he got bigger and bigger. And pretty soon, I could see that, gosh, he must have been a priest because he had a long robe on, and it was a brown robe, and it had…not really sleeves, but they’re sort of like, well they’re..I can’t think of the word for it, but they’re like, a garment that goes around your top.

Like a tunic?

Sort of, yeah. It’s like it’s a robe, but it’s cut off at your elbows. So anyway, he got closer and closer and I could see that he was dressed like he must have been, I didn’t know how old he was, but I knew that he did not come out of our day and age. He said, “You’ve gotta go back. It’s not time for you yet. You’ve got to go back right now.”

Oh my gosh.

And I said, “Who are you?” And he said, “I’m Father Jacques.” And I said, “Father Jacques who?” And he said, “Father Jacques Marquette. You know, Father Jacques Marquette.” And then he pointed and he said, “You’ve got to go back now. It’s not your time to be here.” And so I woke up. I went back right away. And when I woke up, you were sitting at the side of my bed. And I told you, I said, “Father Jacques…” But I didn’t get the whole thing out. But then I think I went back to unconsciousness.

You want me to jump in here for just a sec?

But you thought I was saying a friend’s name: Father Jan.

Yeah.

Because I was just kind of like, in a bubble. I was just saying, “Father Jaaa..”

Yeah.

So anyway. You then called Father Jan, and got it set up for him to come over and….

Yeah, so what happened was…So when you said, you were like slumped over in this wheel chair in the ER lobby, and dad was you know, being a whirling dervish, you know, “Can I get my wife an aspirin?!” You know like, trying to get…because you know how an emergency rooms are. And there were four guys, when they saw you come in, four like big men who were waiting in the waiting room with their wives or something like that, they all came over and they helped keep you in the chair, because you were sliding out because you were just, you had no control of your body – you were just slumped. So I was kneeling at your feet in front of the wheelchair and the three men were on either side, and that’s when you said, “Father Jaa..” And when you said that, I thought you were saying “Father Jan,” because Father Jan is our, he’s been our family priest – he baptized us, he married my brother, he’s our – he’s basically part of our family. And so I thought that you were …

And I worked for Father Jan for 10 years. And up until like right before I had the stroke.

I know – we were talking about him at dinner before you had your stroke, and so I thought that you were asking for him to give you Last Rites or something. So I quick texted one of our family friends and was like, “What’s Father Jan’s phone number, quick!” You know, like, I need this. But then, when we were talking by your bed, you were like, no, “Father Jacques” and I was like, wow. You know.

Who is that?

Yeah, like who the heck is that?! So keep going mama, you’re doing great.

Ok. So, Father Jacques. I had this vision of him, and he told me I had to go back. So I did go back, and I told you about him. And you pulled up on your phone a picture of him, and I said, ‘that’s him!” He looked like he was born in another century. He had funny hair. Wore it in a different than they do today, He had the cape and the long outfit on. Anyway, so we identified him as Father Jacques Marquette, and that is who he had told me that he was. And so, then I started to get a little better and better, and I was really…I couldn’t read anything. But more recently, I’ve been able to read, and so I’ve sent away for like, Amazon and different places: four different books about FJM, and I ‘ve read all about him, and it’s crazy. CRAZY! But he, when he came over in the 1600s – he came over in 1666, and he went up to – near Sault Ste. Marie.

Where is that?

Sault Ste Marie is in Michigan. And it is not very far from our cottage, which is in northern Wisconsin. So he travelled the area right around out cottage. And then what happened is really really crazy, and it’s just got to be a God incident. He travelled down the Fox River, which both dad and I lived on the Fox River. Dad lived on the Fox River his entire life.

Wow. Wow.

But my parents moved to the Fox River after they sold their home. So anyway, we both had places on the Fox River that were about a half a mile away from each other. So thinking about FJM coming down the Fox River, it was just incredible to me. And then to think that he took the Fox River until it met up with the Wisconsin River, and then it met up with the Illinois River, and then that met up with the Mississippi River, and he took it all the way down to Arkansas where he decided to turn around and come back, because the Native Americans were rather fierce down there. Anyway, but I learned a lot about FJM.

Wow. So that’s just crazy. And you were saying, he’s not a saint yet. Do you think that this is some – Do you think that he wanted to reach out to you so that he could get canonized? Or, that’s just – that’s just incredible that he was from your stomping ground. And not to mention, he’s a Jesuit priest, and our oldest brother went to a Jesuit college, and spent a year on the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. It’s just all so – just

Yeah, it is. Well that’s why I’m like obsessed with it, Caralyn. I just…I’m like really obsessed with it because there are so many reasons why it should make sense to us. And I would love to do something to further FJM’s canonization process. And I’m – so far I’ve done a pretty good job of researching his life and what he was all about. And where he came over from France. But I would also like to – I’d like to know…I’d like to do something to help him get canonized.

Well, I think telling your story like this is huge.

Yeah, and so I have to find the right people to tell it to. And that’s why I want to go and actually walk and drive the trail that he took.

Yeah, so tell us what you’re planning to do.

Well, we’re planning to go up to – start in Sault Ste Marie, and then we’ll drive over to the west. I forget the name of the town, but he started his ministry over here in a town that’s on the very western edge of Lake Michigan. And then to trace that back to Sault Ste Marie, and then come down from Sault Ste Marie to all the little places along the Fox River, and then down to Chicago, and then over to the places that led him to his final destination, which is Arkansas. I want to gather as much information. And there are actually, if you research this online, there are a ton of places that are – that have markers on them where his canoe went through. And I would love just go and gather and pray and get as much information as I can and see if something happens.

Yeah. Oh my gosh, I think something will. I mean , I think if you go on this pilgrimage, I think that God is going to reveal something to you, or you’re going to learn something about yourself or – I think that if you – when you go, it’s going to be a big deal, and I’d love to go with you, if…that’s in the cards.

Well I would love to have you come with me. It’d be fun actually.

Yeah.

You know, to go and retrace his steps, going back to the 1600s. Our country has changed so much. There are just high ways and everything all along the banks of Lake Michigan for example, and down to Chicago, and then all the way over. You know, the highways kind of follow the rivers, so

That wasn’t how he was getting around in the 1600s, huh.

No. No , it wasn’t. He was doing it all by canoe. I think it would be a lot of fun.

So. Should I tell about the…yeah. So just yesterday, you got an email from one of your church friends who said that this Christian film company was looking for locations for a Christian film that they’re filming in Southwest Ohio, where we live. And, so you just out of the blue, just forwarded it to me, and was like, “Hey this is a Christian film company that’s coming to, literally our backyard, Just head’s up.” You didn’t know anything about it. I didn’t know anything about it, but I was like, “Eeh, I’m going to look into this.” So , I do a little research, and I come to find that it’s literally a story – the film is literally telling the story of Father Jacques Marquette. Isn’t that insane?!

I know! We actually already talked about this, so my surprise level is kind of tamped down by now, but last night when I found out, I was absolutely shocked and I was amazed that they were going to be doing a story about FJM.

Yeah, I had goosebumps all over.

And in our town!

Yeah! And so I actually reached out to the director, and I told him your story, and I have an audition for the role! Which is crazy! Obviously not FJM, but for another role in it, which is just , I mean. I don’t know mom! FJM, like God is using him for our family for something, you know!?

I don’t know, it is really – it’s jaw dropping, and it’s an amazing event. It’s amazing.

Maybe we should buy stock in Marquette University.

Yeah. That would be good, wouldn’t it.

So, it’s been 10 months since your stroke. What do you think God is trying to tell you through this? What have you learned? Really. What do you think?

Well, I really don’t know, and that’s why I want to go. I’m a do-er. And I want to go and I want to learn everything there is out there about Father Jacques, and I want to retrace his steps. And I just I don’t know Caralyn, I can’t say right now. But ask me in another month or so and I may be able to tell you.

Okay. And then just, what about in general. What are some of the take aways, because your life has done a 180. You’ve really been through a lot here, and what’s been a take away for you from all of this?

Well, the biggest take away is how much I love and appreciate all that my family gives and who they are. And what they’ve done for me. And when you’re recovering from something like this, you’re really absorbed in just, your thoughts, and trying to get words out and make sense, and so it’s been an amazing journey for me. And the – one of the biggest things that I can say is that, how grateful I am, of course for dad, because he’s in this with me 24/7.

Yeah, he’s amazing.

But also, Care, for you. Because you have given so much to me, and you know, I can’t pay you back. I can’t pay you back!

Oh, mama, I’m not looking for you to pay me back. I’m paying YOU back for all the dirty diapers you changed when I was growing up! No, but honestly mom, it’s been – one of the biggest take ways for me has been really – it’s shown me a lot about the priorities in my life and truly, how much I love you and you know.

Well, thanks Care. That’s really obvious.

You my best friend.

I can’t tell you how much I love you and appreciate you. So thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.

Well, I know dad is going to be getting home here pretty soon, so I will let you go. But again, thank you for – it’s so brave of you to share this story. You know, I think a lot of people shy away from talking about their faith. And that’s one of the things I’ve learned from you growing up is that you should never shy away from talking about God. You know – I’ll brag on you for a second here. How many years did you teach bible study? Was it 13 years?

Yeah.

Yeah. And you know, these weren’t little 6-person book clubs…which there’s nothing wrong with – these were like, 150 person classes that you..I mean…One of the coolest things during your recovery of your stroke was when you did all of your friend “Meet Ups.” And so what was, was that you met with a different every day. You literally sent out a sign up sheet on an email thing through Calendly, and just sent it out to your address book of friends. And was like, “Hey! Who wants to meet up for coffee!? Like, just sign up for a 30 minute time slot!” Which – first of all, I hope you know that not many people have an address book of people that would actually show up to do that. You know, that’s a huge thing that is amazing in itself, but then I went with you on all of these. And then to hear each person – literally every single person that you met with told you, they were like, “Mary, I can’t tell you how your bible study class change my life and my family’s life.” And they were quoting things that you said six years ago, as though it was just yesterday, because it had made such an impact. That was the most – I mean, I have so much admiration for you, anyways. But this was just – incredible just to see and hear in people’s own words how you have changed their lives. So that was just really – that was amazing. So I think you are a brave, strong woman. And sharing your heart and sharing your faith is something that I really look up to.

Well thanks Care. And you know, God has got something for each one of us to do. And I know that whatever He has in store for you – and it could your blog. Or it could be something yet to come. I know that you will have the same experience where – I know you will have the same experience, let’s just say that.

Thanks mama. Alright, well maybe we’ll have to do an update when you get back from Wisconsin.

That’d be great. I would love that, Care.

Well, thanks so much again. And this is us signing off.

You’re welcome. This was a lot of fun. Thanks for thinking of me.

Love you mama.

I love you too, honey.

Bye!

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176 responses to “My Mom’s Near Death Experience – In Her Own Words”

  3. First, I have to say that your mom sounded great! I really enjoyed listening to her!

    I’ve heard one other first-hand near-death experience. There’s nothing like hearing the person who had the experience, to hear the truth of it in their voice. I heard that in her voice and feel blessed to have had the pleasure of hearing her story directly from her!

    Was it hard for her to hear that she had to return to earth? Does she recall anything else about what it was like there? The gentlemen I heard relate his story really did not want to leave the place he was in. Sounds were clearer, colors sharper and more vibrant – all senses were very heightened and everything was indescribably beautiful.

    The whole connection to Fr. Marquette is amazing; even more-so that she got a contact on a project, and you’re auditioning for it!

    Please give her my thanks for recording this with you!

    Reply

  4. Reblogged this on Jeffrey H. King's Blog and commented:
    I’ve heard one other first-hand account of a near death experience years ago from a man I knew at my church. It was a fascinating thing to hear! No less is Caralyn’s mom’s experience; shall I call her Mrs. BBB? Caralyn has provided an audio of her phone callto her mom to record this as well as a transcript of the call. This will be well worth your time!

    Reply

  5. Wow- really compelling. I’ve got to research Father Jacques. I had a thought. What if the genuinely pure priests end up being ambassadors on the other side? Interesting stuff!

    Reply

  7. What an honor and privilege it is to see and hear two Beautiful Beloveds share in their love and unique relationship with our Lord throughout the Godhead; Father, Son, Holy Spirit! Thank you for sharing how God is using His treasured daughters to relate how He’s turning their ashes into beauty. Can’t wait to watch and see His glory continue to be illuminated throughout your lives as you sojourn this side of heaven. You both are rare gems!
    Blessings and hugs, Tammy

    Reply

  8. Very cool story! Just wanted to say that I have been fascinated with NDE’s for the last…oh 5 or 6 years or so. I have heard many such stories…either on YouTube or in books and also in person. Your mom might want to check out IANDS (International Association for Near Death Studies). It’s based in Durham, NC but they have chapters everywhere. I know there is one in the Cincinnati area. I actually went to Durham to visit a friend and ended up at a monthly meeting of IANDS and met 15 or so people who had NDE’s. Check out two amazing ones: Dr Eben Alexander who has a book “Proof of Heaven” (lots of YouTube of him) and Anita Moorjani who’s book is “Dying to Be Me”. I have shared many of these stories with those who are dying through the ministry I do. The stories are very comforting to them. Thanks for sharing your mom’s story! There is definitely more than this…we are spiritual beings on a human adventure 🙂

    Reply

    • Thank you so so much! Oh wow I can’t wait to check those out! I had no idea there were associations and groups like that. Very fascinating! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

  9. This is such an awesome story, in so many ways!! I also heard about a Catholic filiming company coming to Cincy to do a movie (not sure if this is the same situation, but it seems like it could be). They were looking for a house to film in for a couple of days, and I was considering offering our house, because it sounds like what they are looking for….isn’t that WILD!!

    Reply

  10. What a beautiful and amazing experience! And how amazing that Fr. Marquette would figure so prominently.

    It makes me wonder though . . will we all be greeted by a Jesuit? Because I was personally kind of hoping for a Dominican. 🙂

    Reply

  11. You’re mama is so sweet and amazing! Thanks for sharing her story with us.

    How is she doing physically? Does she have any side effects from the stroke?
    Blessings!

    KEEP THE LIGHT ON!

    Reply

  13. I believe the lessons from near death experiences can help ease the fear from the person having them and family members that their is nothing to fear on the other side. And the insight of past life experience your mom had can lead her back to importants times of her life that she had a guardian angel present with her. It is always wise to talk daily to your guardian angel/archangel michael to protect you, pray with you, keep yourself focused on God and to protect yourself from harm. It is an awesome gift you can give yourself and others, to share the love of Angels and the Lord.

    The dominion angels are what we call the “heralds” of incoming souls they stand at the end of the tunnel and form a gateway of welcome for those souls who pass away. The role the angels play in our life is so impressive that we will never understand the spiritual ratification of this miracle.

    Surviving a stroke nowadays is a miracle if you can talk and think, so clearly like your mother has been able too. People need to know if you get to the hospital within an half hour of a stroke you will be given a drug to lessen the damage to your brain from the stroke. Some people have repeated strokes after the first one, so it is very important to get them to the right hospital again within half hour of the stroke. Not all hospitals carry the drug to reverse stroke damage, it is wise to call the hospitals in your community to see which one does have that drug in their ER room. Pre-planning is the goal and post it on your refrigerated for an ambulance or family member to tell others to take you to that hospital. I wish your Mom and your family all the best.

    Reply

    • this is such an awesome response, thank you so much for sharing that. that’s great advice. and you’re right – my mom was really fortunate. Very blessed. God is good. Thanks for taking the time to listen! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

  17. “God has got something for each one of us to do” your mom is a wise woman :):) This story is so miraculous in so many ways. The next time we hear someone say, or say ourselves :):), “I need a sign/give me a sign, they/we should be directed here to read or re-read this :):) What girl your not auditioning for FJM, but for another role hehehe much love and hugs. :):)

    Reply

  19. Just bought and read your ebook! You’re spot on with it! Simple and effective though I think of the 10 daily emails you get, only 1 would do the work you mention and the driving factor to your growing success. Going to listen to your mom’s story shortly. Keep up the great work!

    Reply

  20. Hey Caralyn. I praise our Lord Jesus for you, your Mom and Dad, because together they raised a fantabulous young lady, and praise Jesus for His healing touch in your Mom. I am sure your siblings are wonderful also, but since you are the one I have connected with you receive the family praises. 😀
    That is an incredible experience your Mom shared. We can pray for any who may doubt an after life, the possibility of an Eternal life with God, to read this. Any can have that assurance of an eternity spent with our Creator, if she / he admits to being a sinner, asks forgiveness of Jesus Christ, and repents, which just means turning away from sin, and allowing the Holy Spirit of God to direct her / his life.
    It is very easy, because Jesus paid the penalty of death for us by His death on the cross, and we can have the victory because of His resurrection.
    I am reblogging your post, trusting a few more will see it.

    Thank you and your Mom, Caralyn,
    God’s Blessings.
    Luv, 😀🌹❤️

    George

    Reply

  22. Oh wow. This is truly amazing! And comforting. And so brave of your mom for telling us her very personal story. I’m interested in the canonization process, and how wonderful for your mom to possibly be a part of that for Father Jacques. Keep us posted on the film! Another incredible part of the story! Thanks for sharing and a huge thanks to your mama!❤️

    Reply

  23. Hi There! I think this was an amazing experience to share. I am not of Christian faith but I do respect all religions. It is wonderful of your mom to share this experience with your readers.

    I also want to say that I love your blog and your writing style. Congratulations on your book <3 Reading such an amazing post this morning just gives a person hope, you know? 🙂

    You're doing a great job 🙂

    Reply

    • thank you so much! yeah, isn’t it just incredible!? I’m so glad my mom wanted to share this 🙂 she’s an awesome woman…i look up to her a lot 🙂 and thank you for such kind words. i really appreciate that. have a great Friday!!! hugs xox

      Reply

  26. That was an amazing story. It was nice hearing you and your mama. So much love there.
    I will be praying for you, your mom, and your journey ahead.
    God loves you both! <3

    Reply

  28. Years ago, I came down with the worst flu of my life. I never vomited so much EVER! I laid down in bed and asked my husband to come in and lay down with me. I told him he did not have to interact with me, he could leave the light on and read or watch t.v. I was so out of it nothing would bother me. I fell asleep and had a vision. Jesus came to me and asked me if I was ready to ‘come home’. I said ‘no, I’m not done yet. There is still so much to do!’. I felt that I had not talked to enough people about Him and that perhaps I would have a hard time getting into heaven because I had ‘slacked in my duties’. Silly to think of it now… HE was ASKING me if I wanted to come to heaven so… I could have gone. He also told me that things in my life would get much worse before they got better… and boy howdy did they ever. However, since then, I did find out about the Orthodox Christian church and joined it which has been the biggest highlight (read; saving grace) in my life lately.
    Take your mom and go on a pilgrimage to pray along the river. Journal about it. You will never regret doing it! Hugs and blessings to you and your mom.

    Reply

    • Wow what a powerful experience. Thank you for sharing that with me. I think there’s a lot about Heaven that we don’t know about. What an incredible experience. Wow. Hugs and love xox

      Reply

  30. Thank you for sharing this conversation and for your mom to share her experience. I have been down with a confusing illness/symptoms that no doctor can seem to cure, much less figure out. I’ve been praying for over 3 years now and have had family and friends pray over and with me but still I am debilitated. Lost the ability to work, hang out and even sleep is such a struggle. But listening to this. This made me believe that God is very real and so are his plans for us though we will never be able to understand it at times especially in times of trial. I have been starting to doubt his existence and question scripture, knowing fully that it is from the evil one, but being sick does this to your mind. So I am very thankful for this sharing. When your mom said that she saw God’s extended hands, something touched my heart and I began to tear. Thank you very much. You both have saved a life today. God Bless. xo

    Reply

    • Thanks so much Faith, for this response. I’m so sorry to hear that you’re suffering with that illness. I’ll definitely keep you in my prayers. Glad this touched you:) Hugs and love xox

      Reply

  31. Ok so Wow – to be connected to someone with such faith and conviction on a personal level – it must have been – REAL – for you. My Grandfather had a similar experience just before he passed so I am quite sure that Heaven IS real. I know that I have mentioned this before but your remarks about the “dirty diapers” reminds me of the old hymn “No Charge” by Shirley Caesar. There is nothing to repay that hasn’t already been paid! Lotsa Love and encouragement for your Mom. She has a mission now and she needs all the support that she can get. Thank her for me as well for sharing this story. It refreshes Faith, Hope and Love!

    Reply

  32. Very Nice! Always love your blog posts. I’m so grateful for your mom, she definitely has a story to tell. So glad you shared this, I know it will be a help to others just as you are a help to many. P.S. Just ordered the E-Book! Thanks for taking out the time to share your “expertise” – lol. Have a Great Day Gurly! Oh and I will be sharing this blog post on my site today. Love Ya!!

    Reply

  34. Wow! What an awesome testimony, Caralyn. I jumped out of my shoes when your mother mentioned Father Jacques Marquette! I grew up and live where Marquette and Joliet first came to the Mississippi River! How they actually did it was they went from Green Bay to the Fox River, then portaged near Madison, WI to the Wisconsin River, which flows into The Mississippi at Prairie du Chien, WI. They came to the Mississippi River in 1673. We have a town on the Iowa side called Marquette! It’s a beautiful area. The Native American presence here go back 2,500 years. Prairie du Chien is only a little over 300 years old, Haha. 🙂

    For the first 100 years of our town’s history was as a French-Native American community. It was the Jesuit missionary philosophy to live amongst the natives and honor their culture instead of changing it that the French explorers adopted, which was very different than the British and Spanish explorers. It’s a pretty awesome history of the Jesuit involvement from the 1600’s to 1800’s in the Great Lakes area.

    Anyway, I had to share that. You guys are always welcome to come and visit this beautiful area! 🙂

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  36. What a great story. The things my mom told me about what my grandmother went through as she was dying convinced me more than ever that there’s something else after this. It’s so comforting to hear these sorts of stories. Gosh!

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  39. Caralyn, you know I always enjoy your blog but your mom’s story is amazing. If she decides to make the trip, there are a lot of sites here in Saint Louis that I know she would find interesting. Contact me through my blog and I’d be happy to act as tour guide. Thank you and your mother for sharing this.

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  41. Absolutely beautiful. I usually watch a movie on Friday nights. It’s my “Me” time. Instead, I came on here to write. Something kept tugging me to just read other blogs and I spotted you. Boy am I grateful! Listening to your Mom, just fills me with such hope. Thank you so much for sharing her experience. I’m so grateful she shared her story. Blessings to you all!

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  43. This story brings to mind the parable of the vineyard, with the workers that go into the field first getting their pay last. FJM was a pioneer for Christ, and apparently still stands guard on that land. I’m sure that he recognized your mother as one that had come to tend the fruit that had grown up on the land he cleared. I’m certain that he is/was/will be honored, encourage and fortified by whatever you two women, so powerful in faith, can accomplish to see his hopes realized!

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  46. Wow I just saw your blog for the first time, and I’m so excited to read more! The Lord has a lot planned for you! And I can tell that you’re waiting with open arms. Your moms story is a blessing. She has a lot of strength to tell it and take action rather than cower in fear.

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  47. What an amazing story! This is incredible! Your mom’s voice sounds so sweet and kind. Thank you for sharing this recording. Also, I am reading your book, it’s great! When I get done, I will hand it over to my daughter, as I know she will enjoy it as much.

    Good Luck Caralyn!

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  48. First, I get all touchy when I read about parents *sniffing*.
    Second, such an incredible story of faith and hope! Believe it or not I have goosebumps all over my arms. I’m so so happy for your mom’s recovery. Her courage is inspiring. I wish her all the best in her endeavours.

    Regards.

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  49. So wish I had gotten my wife Pat to hospital within four hours of her second stroke; might have given her a few more weeks. But Pat was very stubborn and kept saying “NO hospital” We didn’t know it was so crucial. and Pat was amendment she wasn’t going. Feel guilt still that my son and I didn’t over rule her.

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  50. Wow want an amazing and inspirational story. I love you blog! Also just wanted to say thank you for checking out my first blog post and giving it a like. I really appreciate it xo

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  52. Thank you for sharing this article. My mom had a similar experience, except it was after she gave birth to my younger brother.

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  54. Wow! fascinating and so awesome God working in HIS mysterious ways in your precious family… Glad to know you’re Mom was given more precious time and a new purpose she is seeking HIM in… Congratulations on a role in the upcoming film… Thank you for reaching out to love so many people for I see how you reach out and like other people’s posts who are struggling with tough life stuff… It doesn’t go unnoticed for you’re such a blessing little sis. in Christ… I am proud of you for being a light for HIM, being compassionate, and real…
    https://suicidenotmyheart.wordpress.com

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  58. I’m speechless… for some reason out of things I have been ready this late evening to get my mind off of this chaotic world I caught a glimpse of your Blog again only to be magnetically pulled to it and read. Not just read but sucked in. I’ve mentioned before whenever we both first discovered our Blogs that we may have some different beliefs but I admire you as a writer and things you have overcome. We all have our stories and you are Strong and it was lovely of you to share your moms story!

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  61. Beauty, I appreciate your mother’s story. There is so much before us; at least for those of us who will spend eternity with Jesus. If you have not read my story, I think you would enjoy it. Why Me, Lord, https://onetahayes.com/about/why-me-lord/ tells of my experience with the physical part of my “miracle.” I’m Glad I Did Not Die, https://onetahayes.com/2016/01/31/im-glad-i-did-not-die/ tells the spiritual details of that experience. I wrote the material soon after the event, but I could not go public with it for more than two years. It was just too intense; too private for me to share. And a part of me might have thought that no one would believe it. It was amazing. That’s the reason my story is in two parts. Like you mother I did see people whom I recognized to some extent but I did not see them in detail. It was odd because one young girl I did not know but she was right in front of the rest. I saw them as shadow forms behind a white wall.

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    • thanks so much Oneta. I can’t wait to check out your articles. it sounds like a really powerful story. I’m so glad you decided to share it! it will really touch a lot of people. thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  63. JB’s pet monkey! lol.

    But seriously, if more people could just consider the reality of this kind of thing, I think it would really take the edge off grieving. But alas… so many are wrapped up in this world and just can’t see…

    Great post.

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  64. What an amazing and powerful testimony shared with us! 🙂 That is amazing, but of course, not the part when your mother had passed out. Truly, that is a scary and painful feeling when caring for your loved-one’s life and well being from your point-of-view, friend. At the same time, from your mother’s point-of-view, that truly was an amazing experience that God has shown her, at to be able to share her spiritual experience with us served as a major plus and boost within my spirit.

    Then how the Lord aligns both of your experiences and to make both of you recall Father Jacques Marquette is without an amazing blessing and testimony within itself. I’ve listened to the audio and read this post many times because just hearing and witnessing the Lord’s Works in action is just… Astonishing and Amazing! 🙂

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    • thank you so much! yeah, it’s a really incredible experience she had! God works in amazing and mysterious ways! thanks for topping by and for your kind words. Hugs and love xox

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      • Anytime! 🙂 I enjoy reading your blog posts. I am spiritually uplifted when ever I have additional and spare time to. I’m glad that I do because… “this post” is a prime example as of why I do: They are remarkable testimonies. Thank you for sharing this powerful message. Hugs and Love xoxo.

  65. Beauty,
    I enjoyed the interview with your mom. I had a very similar experience in Feb 2013 during a full-organ shutdown leaving me in a 4 day coma. I have been sheepish in sharing the experience, simply because so many might think I am nuts. I actually was found dead with a core body temp of 78 degrees. By the grace of God, I am still here.

    Thank your mom for the courage it took to share. I’m working on my bravery to do the same.
    God bless.
    Alan/Dallas

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  66. Hi, Caralyn. Thanks for posting your mothers story of her near death experience. I found it very interesting. I particularly liked the part where you mentioned her bible study class and getting together for coffee with her students, and how much the class changed their lives. It must have been amazing to have been part of that.

    So glad to hear your Mom has made a 100% physical recovery. I had a stroke a few years ago. I doesn’t seem nearly as traumatic as your mother’s, and I didn’t have a near death experience; just some memory loss, but also a 100% physical recovery very shortly after the experience.

    Enjoying your blog. Keep up the good work. Bob

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  67. Hi BBB,

    Thanks for sharing your mom’s story. It was probably really good for her to tell the whole story and you captured it before it was forgotten. Thanks also fir the blogging tips. I will read that next.

    The Lord bless you,

    Gary

    On Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 3:59 PM BeautyBeyondBones wrote:

    > beautybeyondbones posted: “*Before we jump into tonight’s amazing story (I > can say that because it’s not mine 🙂 ) I have 2 quick announcements. Thank > you to everyone who has bought my book, Bloom. I am so humbled by the > incredible feedback you’ve been sharing with me. It really ” >

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  68. A beautiful testimony to where faith can often lead us & the reminder of how he truly does have a ‘plan’ for us all!! Hugs & Blessings to both you and your darling mom.

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  69. This is incredible; and, you and she received an amazing gift. I bookmarked this BLOG, as I will read more and more times into the future. I have so many questions and thoughts about all that you and she experienced. Thank you for sharing!

    /s/ Alfonso Faustino

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  71. So, it has been a year and a half since this post and I just read it and wondering if you have a followup story on the movie and how it turned out and on what your mom has been up to? I’m so excited to know what amazing things have transpired since then!

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    • Hi Mimi! Thanks so much for your response! My mom is amazing. She’s my hero and She’s doing great! Thanks for asking! And I honestly can’t remember the movie I mentioned in the interview, but i guess that means it must not have happened! Haha Hugs and love xox

      Reply

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