A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE
The blog has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of amazing people. I became friends with Leah Hatfield about a year ago and I have loved following her life on Facebook. She is a descendant of the infamous Hatfield & McCoy Feud, and her family is from Matewan, WV. We message back and forth occasionally and since she lives in Kentucky I feel a kinship with her. The other day I read a post from her and I contacted her to see if I could share her experience with all of you. I hope you are as touched by her story as I was.
My name is Leah Hatfield. I’m a wife, mother of six children, grandmother of one, a nurse and a writer. On a clear summer day, my life was forever altered.
I’ve never shared my near death experience in a public venue, but because I have a few friends dealing with life-threatening issues, I am sharing some of it here. I don’t seek sympathy. What would mean the most to me is that by me sharing it, you would examine your own life. Be in tune with your own spirit and your own heart. Ponder what life means to you and make a resolve to be fully alive and grateful from this day forward….
On June 10, 2004, following two separate surgeries to remove 2 separate brain tumors, a year apart, I left my parent’s home for a run. It was a beautiful, clear day as I made my way along the path I had jogged many times. I felt fine. It felt great to be alive.
Three miles into that run, I started to feel shooting pains in my head. I finished my run, a little dizzy, but still fine. When I reached my parent’s house, I sat down to take my shoes off and felt the most horrific pain in the back of my head, like someone had blown the back of my head off. I have a very high pain threshold, but this pain was unlike anything I have endured. Blood gushed from my mouth and nose and I fell to the floor. My dad, seeing what was happening, rushed to my side and yelled for my mom to call 911. Life Flight was called and I was quickly transported to the hospital.
I remember thinking, as I was trying to not choke on my own blood, “This is how I’m going to die,” 29 years old, with 4 children, the youngest of whom was just 4 months old. At first panic set in. Sheer terror…but then, I felt a calm take over, like a warm sensation of water pouring over my body. A feeling of calm accompanied that warmth…hard to describe. No fear. Just acceptance. It is a terrible yet oddly surreal feeling, to be dying yet calm.
I remember being pulled off the helicopter and hearing the report given by the flight nurse to the waiting trauma staff. It was very grim. By then they had managed to insert 2 naso-stats into my brain with no sedation and one of them had blown out as quickly as they could reinsert it. I was wheeled into the trauma bay as several nurses I worked with as a nurse myself, said simultaneously, “That’s Leah!” They shrieked in horror seeing the amount of blood still pouring from my nose and mouth. Eventually, that blood would also begin to flow out of my ears and eye sockets. By this time, I knew my life was about to end. I could hear my doctor friend, an ER attending physician, trying to talk to me in the flurry of chaos that had ensued. “Stay with us Leah….please stay with us!” he said, breathlessly.
My dad appeared through the frosted doors just then. My cousin trying to tug on his arm to get him back out of the room. I could hear my dad crying and also yelling in terror.
Then, at the foot of the table where I lay, my grandfather walked in. He appeared to pay no mind to anyone except me; only glancing once at his 2nd son who still stood near the door defiantly. My grandfather had been dead himself for 35 years and had died before my birth. As my eyesight started to dim, and a velvety blackness enveloped, I managed to mumble one word, “Papaw.”
The next thing I remember is another burning pain. This time in my chest…a sudden enormous sting. It was then that I lifted out of my body. Like a cat or a gargoyle, perched at the end of the OR table, I looked around to see my lifeless body. One arm fallen at my side. My eyes half open. Blood everywhere. My lips parted, in an attempt at one last gasp of air. Purple legs, purple feet. The palm of my out stretched hand, blue. Doctors and nurses scrambling. The crash cart being used. I was dead.
My spirit quickly lept thru the wall. I could see a small waiting room filled with my relatives. My dad, on his knees, crying…praying. My little aunt in a lavender skirt suit, wiping her nose. My own mother, calmly, ever so calmly, stirring her coffee. Uncles, aunts, cousins, their spouses. With others rushing thru the door. I can see all of them to this day, what they were wearing, where they were in that room.
I lept once more and suddenly, I was in another place, one that still defies sufficient description…..
A pink sky…all pink…the most brilliant shade of pink you could ever imagine. Light…the Light was everywhere…everything in that glorious place was illuminated by the Light. I could hear water bubbling from somewhere, smoothly flowing from some unseen spring. There was what appeared to be grass and tall plants except I’ve never seen these types on earth. Colors…colors that I never knew in my earthly life. The plants and grass seemed to teem with the Light, slowly moving on a soft breeze, a warm breeze that was blowing my bright auburn hair. Hair! I had hair! Lovely long, wild, wavy hair…
I could hear the flutter of wings somewhere….behind me….unseen yet present. There were tiny puffs floating everywhere. You know, in spring when the cottonwoods get away from their branches and float along? They were everywhere….
It was then that I saw the Tree. The most enormous, startling Tree I have ever seen. It was a ways off in the distance but almost right in front of me. It glowed white. It’s branches alive. The bark glistened and pulsed…it was a Living, breathing tree. Enormous fruit hung from it’s limbs…twinkling in the Light…the fruit looked as if it had been dipped in caramelized sugar, huge grains of sugar….
What I felt as I stood there was the most amazing feeling of love. Love that filled every fiber of my being. Happy…I felt happy….a childlike happy on Christmas morning amplified a thousand times…And then, I noticed one of those puffs was lazily floating towards me, growing bigger as it got closer. It morphed into the shape of a man. It was my Papaw. I ran to him, those plants and flowers in the field surrounding me parting to make a path, almost ushering me along…
I jumped into his arms. I hugged his neck. His skin so flawless and smooth. His thick, jet black hair brushed back from his face. He pressed his cheek to mine, still embracing my seemingly small body and said, “Papaw’s girl! It’s been a long day of waiting for you.”
I asked where I was. “You are home doll. Home.”
I need to tell you my Papaw died when he was 56 and wrinkled, a life of hard work had shown itself before his death. But here in this place, my grandfather was younger and he was perfect. Big grey eyes that smiled with love and kindness. Perfectly straight, white teeth framed by smiling lips. He smelled my head then held onto my hands as he stepped away to look at me.
“Am I dead?” I remember asking.
My papaw chuckled, “In a sense. Your body is gone but you are not. You are more alive now than you were before.”
I should say, I felt no sadness, just all of that happiness.
“Leah,” he said, I could detect his gentle mountain accent as he spoke, “There’s so many waiting to see you.”
I instantly knew who. My twin sister. My twin sister!!! I recall saying that twice to myself. And my dad’s sister who died when she had just begun to live….my mamaw, my mom’s dad…Marian, our next door neighbor who I adored….my great great grandmother whom I’d heard so much about….
My grandfather and I stood there talking, my hands in his. He shared things with me that I have yet to share with anyone…It was the best conversation imaginable…
And then, the rustle of those seemingly thousand wings somewhere behind me, began to shuffle with a quickening. My papaw looked up and nodded to whatever stood behind me. He looked back at me and said these words which I will never forget, “Papaw can’t take you right now. Just remember, when the time is right, Papaw will be standing right here, right here. Be strong and do not be afraid. I love you, Leah.” With that he pulled me to him, hugged me one last time, squeezed my hand, kissed my head and turned. He morphed back into a whispy, cottony form which flew towards that Tree and disappeared into the Light.
I remember waking up, gasping for air. Have you ever been underwater for a length of time then rushed to the surface, breathlessly taking in fresh air? My eyes felt oily, blurred. I saw a bag of blood hanging above my head and I began to weep. My mom was at my bedside, although I couldn’t see her I heard her say, “Get a nurse! There’s something wrong!”
There was nothing wrong except that I realized I was back in this body. A deep, nearly unbearable sadness sank in.
I’ve left out much here. The coma I was in, where I heard every word spoken around me but was unable to open my eyes or respond. I especially remember my dad’s voice in that room and hearing his prayers as he sat alone with me, thinking no one was listening. Is there anything on earth like the love of a parent?
Alas, here I am, in this body, forever changed, forever different. There is much more to my experience, as I mentioned, things that may make the hairs of your arms stand on end, but I am here. For how long? Just like you with your own mortality, I am not sure….
We don’t know when our time will come. Eat the cake, wear the bathing suit, celebrate each day, and tell those you love how much they mean to you.
Have a Blessed Day!
Hayfields & McCoys is one of my favorite movies…and I don’t watch much tv. Just by chance it was on tv, and I watched it over and over! Loved your NDE, Leah….I have also had one. One thing you didn’t mention…is if this has left you with any “abilities”
For years after mine, I had dreams that came true, visions, and was visited by deceased people, relatives and strangers. I hope you write a book, or go into more detail. I will surely pay to read the rest of your experiences. Thank you for sharing, God bless!
Crying at my desk (at work) and sadly, this is not a surprise to my coworkers. I’ve lost so many in the last two years. This story is such a comfort. Thank you for sharing, Leah. God Bless.
What an amazing journey! Like others said, it would make a wonderful book! Thank you for sharing! ❤️
Thank you for sharing your story. A couple weeks ago I met a person that shared his story also. Both brought tears to my eyes and hope. One day I will be reunited with loved ones that are no longer here on earth. Peace, happiness, joy, love, beauty, youth, no pain. Some thing to look forward to. Blessings to you and thank you again for sharing your wonderful experience with us.
Wow! Just Wow! Oh how wonderful to know all my loved ones that accepted Christ and have passed are alive and well! I want to see Jesus! The one who made the way! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Amazing….thank you both for telling the story.
A beautiful story.
I have always heard when you die someone that died before you will come back to get you and take you on the journey to a wonderful place.
Thanks for sharing.
Tania, Thank-you for sharing Leah’s story. Thank-you Leah for sharing your experience! I too, have had an experience. Mine was after the 2nd of 3 surgeries in as many weeks back in May 1997. I was in the presence of warmth, pain free, the rustling of angel’s wings, & the light! Like you there’s more & I am hear today 20 years later!! I appreciate every day I have. Try to stay positive & keep my family thankful, too. God bless you & thank-you!!
Wow! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Leah and Tania, for sharing this story. My brother passed on January 3, 2018 and I was thinking of him and who he has seen. Thank you for a glimpse of the place I long to be someday. I’m sorry for everything you went through, but what an amazing journey you went through, getting the opportunity to see your Grandpa. Many Blessings to you both!
Thanks sooo much! This makes my week!!
So uplifting and gives me hope for the future! Thank you for sharing this wonderful, beautiful story.
Thank you for sharing that story. That was amazing. I got goosebumps just from reading it.
Wow. Thank you for sharing Leah’s story. Incredibly beautiful and powerful.
What a powerful, moving story. Thanks for sharing. I’d love to one day know and read all of the details that aren’t mentioned here, Leah. Btw, my grandpa-in-law visited me after he passed -years younger, more youthful and muscular, without the glasses he needed to wear later in life as he aged.He hugged me, but was silent. How wonderful you met your grandpa – spirit to spirit, and actually conversed! Well, I’m glad you’re back — and I again thank you for sharing your experience.
Wow! Thank you for sharing!
Tania, your blog is very inspiring and I want to thank you for sharing this story. Leah, thank you for sharing your experience!
Beautiful story!! As someone else mentioned, the hope of a glorious homecoming.
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Beautiful experience that helps lessen our fears of death. Thank you so much for sharing. What an experience!
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Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful experience. Jamie
Thank you so much for sharing Leah’s story.
Thank you for sharing your experience. It touched my heart.
Thank you for reading it Eva. ❤
❤️Beautiful! ❤️
Thank you Laura. ?
Wow! Just wow! This resonated with me. I want to live my fullest God driven, most on purpose “dash” that I can possibly live. 1960 – ____! Thank you for sharing this. Peace & blessings!
Thank you for reading about my experience. ?
Wow! What an experience! Just reading it was an emotional roller coaster, never mind living it. Thank you for having her share that with us.
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Wow, as I read this, so many emotions ran thru me, I can’t begin to explain. I believe there is so much more after this life, and this is just a glimpse of it. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you Pat for reading about my experience. ?
Crying as I read this. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing, beautiful story.
Thank you Gail. I appreciate that you read about my experience. ?
Oh My, what a wonderful testimony. Thank you for sharing this with us. So many people waiting for us.
Thank you very much for sharing…I loved reading every word!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story, Tania!
Wow. I cried reading this and I still have goosebumps.
Thank you for reading about my experience Brenda. ?
And… I’m completely in tears. Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you for reading about my experience. ❤
So much to hope for; thank you for sharing. Amazing.
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Grateful that Leah shared her experience with us that we can know how amazing our Home Coming will be one day.
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What a beautiful story. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you for sharing. I’d like to hear more of her story. My Dad saw my departed mom when he was dying. It’s such a sweet occurrence that our love ones come to usher us into heaven.
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This was so comforting to read. Thank you so much for sharing! I am going to pass this along.
Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you for sharing her storyTania. I am crying, as I needed to hear this today. I lost my beloved uncle yesterday and a very good friend lost his father two days ago. Her story gives me such comfort and confirms my belief in knowing that my uncle will see his loved ones whom departed before us again. I know my grandma, his wife and my mom and dad were there to greet him! God bless you both!
Condolences to you and your family. ❤
Good Morning, Tania and thank you for sharing this incredibly beautiful story!
I love your blog and I love you!
Thank you for reminding me again to find joy in every day!
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Wow what a amazing heart felt story. I hope your friend has a lifetime of healthy for the rest of her life. Thanks for sharing her story. This is just what I needed to hear I lost my mother from cancer and she was so young. I imagine a scene just like your friend described for my mother it gives me much reassurance she is well with the Lord waiting for us when the time comes. I will never forget her journey for the rest of my life it gives me a sense of peace. Hope you both have a blessed Sunday.
Thank you Karen. ❤
Beautiful story. My husband is also from Matewan Wv
Thank you Lori. ?
What a beautiful story. Thanks so much for sharing ?
Wow!!!!! Thx for sharing! ❤️❤️❤️
Wow! So powerful and beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you! The most amazing story I’ve ever read.
Thank you Charlcy. ?
Powerful story, thank you for sharing. She should write a book, I was crying, but enjoyed reading every word. This is a great way to start the day and I will truly try to appreciate this day and all He has given me.
Thank you Teresa. ❤
Praise The Lord! This is an awesome story to hear this morning. We never know when he will take us to heaven BUT we should all be watching and ready. Show Love every day to those around you and tell them……it may be your last time. Make sure you are right with God and those you love and are closest too….one day it may be too late and they will be gone.
Blessings,
Holly
Thank you for reading my experience. ?
My cousin told me when I was sobbing at the loss of my beloved grandfather and I wandered aloud if I would be lucky enough to see him again in Heaven because I knew that is were he was going “Hell is on earth, we pay our dues right here so we can all go”. Not sure if that is true given so many miserable and horrible people that commit unspeakable crimes but in my heart when I think of Heaven I see my Grandpa waiting for me there with open arms. Powerful memory and how generous of Leah to share it, blessings and thank you both ?
Thank you. ?
I lost my dad July 4, 2017. I so hope he had a similar experience when he went home to his Savior. I hope he was greeted by his parents and grandparents. I know he is made whole and has no pain. This story gave me so much peace. Thank your friend for allowing you to share it with us.
That. Is. Amazing.
Wow!
I have cold chills after reading her story! and can only imagine the parts she didn’t share! Gods love for us is so immense we cannot even comprehend it! What a comfort this testimony is to anyone afraid of death or facing it. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Amy. ?
What a reminder to put things in proper perspective. I’d love to hear the rest of her story sometime.
Thank you Nancy. ❤
Wow- amazing and so beautiful!! I almost died once and thought someone lied to me because we don’t die we just become who we were meant to be – it’s like walking into a different place where God is and it’s so incredible it’s hard and too so very wonderful to explain- but it wasn’t my time – prayers I heard brought me back-
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Wow, I am fighting back crying! What an amazing experience to share!
Life is so short-experience everything, hold back on nothing.
Leah thank you for sharing.
Very beautiful and encouraging. I love Near Death Experience stories because it reminds us that the best really is yet to come and we will be reunited with our loved ones. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Robyn. ?
Hi Tania , thank you for sharing this beautiful story . I find it hard to express all the emotions I felt reading this story . I would love to hear more of Leah’s journey if she so chooses . As a Christian what a glorious day it will be when we are with Jesus and our departed loved ones .
Have a blessed day , Ruby xx .
Thank you Ruby. ?
Yes I believe every word! I feel much relief knowing loved ones who suffer are now having pure love and relief from earthly suffering. Yes what a glorious day it will be when we are finally home. I struggle daily with many issues but this reminds me one day all will be restored. How blessed Leah was in a horrific moment in her life. Thank you for sharing her testimony. She has had a lot of health trails. I pray she is doing well today.
Thank you Connie. ?
We lost our son 5 years ago. This has given me more peace. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you Connir. I am glad it brought you peace. ❤
I’ve read stories of near death experiences before, but this one feels so much more touching to me because of the love felt from her father and grandfather. Very inspiring. And I agree, if she writes a book, or shares more of her story, please let us know. Thank you for sharing this today, Tania!
Thank you Marie. ?
Wow! I’m sitting here crying, thank you so much for sharing this. There are no words to say, thank you and love, love, and live each day to the fullest.
Thank you! ❤
Thank you Ramona. ?
Beautiful!
Thank you. ?
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Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. My Pawpaw died many years ago and I know I will see him and many other family members one day “When I get to Heaven” (words from a hymn”). I have tears in my eyes, but they are happy tears because “Oh What a Glorious Day That Will Be”! Tania, thank you for being the blessing you are to us gurls!
Thank you Linda. ?
The last two sentences of this story are making me cry as once again I am reminded that the things I worry about..what I eat and yes, not wearing certain things because I don’t think I look good in them are not what’s important. A good reminder to live every day as if it’s our last and for sure to tell people that we love them. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Sandy. ?
That was so amazing! I am grateful to you for sharing. Please let us know if she ever decided to write a book. I want s copy.
Thank you Vonda. ❤
Thank you for sharing!
Wow!!! So touching. Thank you for the post!!
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Why am I crying, oh my goodness!!! What a story, told by a most GIFTED writer. I would have been mad at you for NOT sharing it Tania. Thank you so much! This is so beautiful and leaves me with so much peace. You have done a great service, my friend. God Bless You, and Leah!
Thank you. ?
What a beautiful story. She is truly a light in this dark world and Jesus is shining through her and the story He wants her to share. We long for that glorious day when we are home, however we are reminded to live each day for the gift it is and to let Jesus light shine through our words and deeds. Tania thank you for sharing her story. You are also a light and blessing to many.
Thank you Cindy. ?
Thank you for sharing. God bless…Kathy
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This has me crying. I can’t put it into words. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you Brenda! ?
WOW!!! This takes my breath away……..Some people may think this is far-fetched but I do not. This gives me assurance that my precious loved ones that have passed away are healthy once again. I thank God for sending his son Jesus to die for my sins. I am so glad I made the choice to accept God’s free gift of salvation so I can live in Heaven when I leave this earthly world. Thank you Tania for sharing this story. Thank you Leah as this was beyond incredibly written and a story that only God could orchestrate. ~Lisa~
Thank you Lisa. ?
I hope she writes the whole story, “hair-standing-on-end details included, and publishes it. I for sure would buy it. She’s a very good writer.
Thank you! ?
Of course I’m crying. What a gift of hers to share.
Thank you! ?
Wow! What an amazing story! I have tears reading it. I realize from this testimony that as I go about my day to day life it is never for certain when I will be called home. And Papaw’s words to Leah,be strong and do not be afraid. Thank you for this share.
Thank you! ?
WOW… just wow! What a remarkable story. I too have experienced several of the out of body near death phenomenon she tells of in her story. I have never told my stories and never will. But I know it will be wonderful when I finally go Home.
Thank you! ❤
What a wonderful, wonderful story. Please tell your friend thank you for allowing you to share it, I wish I could hear more! God Bless!
Thank you! ❤
That is an amazing story! Thank you both for sharing!
Thank you! ❤
Oh Leah, thank you. I have always wondered what happens when you die – are you left to wander a strange place alone? With strangers? Will family and friends be there? Thank you, you have eased my soul.