Three days prior to my drug overdose I had a dream that spirits were circling around my body and there was a whirling sound. I awoke to find that this was really happening to me. I sat up in bed and could see them as plain as day. It only lasted for 30 seconds or so then I saw a mist above the right side of my bed. I was very depressed at the time having had two knee surgeries and losing my job due to health issues. I was on an antidepressant and my doctor wanted a blood test before he would fill another prescription. So needless to say I was having a bad day and decided to swallow 470 blood pressure pills. I had to send in my prescriptions by mail order and I would get a three months supply at a time. I needed something to drink with the pills. I drank a half pint of booze to wash them down. In a panic and not feeling so well I called 911 because it was effecting me quickly.

I don't remember anything except the tube from life support and having my arms restrained. I was kept in a drug induced coma for three days. I was told the tube was out and that I had respiratory failure with severe hypoxia. I had aspirated together with hypertensive shock and renal and liver failure while running a 104 temperature. I had an electroencephalography (EEG) and computed tomography (CT) scan because I was having seizures. They were concerned that I had suffered brain damage because I coded and they could not get my heart started.

The first person I spoke with was my intensive care nurs. He asked me if I remembered anything. I told him I knew I was dead and while I slept there was a presence of a man next to my bed leaning against the wall, watching and waiting for something. I then heard a growling sound coming from the sink on the other side of my bed. The sound was very brief. The next thing I remember is a very bright light and being free from my body. It was the most wonderful feeling I've ever felt; there was total peace. I was outside a gate with other beings all around me waiting for something to happen. There was a very bright mist. I knew if I crossed over the gate it would be final. I was told by a higher power (a female) that I had to go back. It was not my time.

The next thing I knew I was back in my body and having the feeling of the life support tube ripping into my lungs. The first night I saw a mist above my bed. I had no clue what it was but I think the mist was something watching over me. After 12 days in ICU and four days in the psych ward I was able to return home. I can only say that I feel like I was given a second chance for good reason. I can't stop thinking about what happen and I have no problem talking about it. I have a need to study everything I can get my hands on about NDEs and I am so much more at peace with myself.

My experience has had a profound effect on my life. I look at everyone and everything in a whole new light. I am a better person and more spiritual. I know I have a purpose. It's to help others in any way I can, not judge anyone, and share my experience with others. There is no need to be afraid of death; it is only the beginning. Before my NDE experience I was afraid of death and the unknown because I was traveling down a very dark path. I now thank God every day for giving me a second chance. I am at total peace and want to live again.