Where did you grow up as a child? What was your favorite holiday as a child?
My dad was in the military, so we moved every few years. I lived in five different states by the time I was 15. First, it was in the Midwest, moved to two states on the East Coast, back to the Midwest, and then out to the West Coast. My favorite holiday was Christmas, especially when we had snow!
Since your dad was a career Navy man, did it ever inspire you to take the same route?
NO! Being a Gemini, I don’t like rules or being told what to do. I wouldn’t have done well there.
What specific events or realizations during your time in the coma led you to believe that you had a purpose or unfinished business on Earth?
The Near-Death Experience while in the coma taught me that God is all-loving and all-forgiving and would never condemn anyone. I was also told I had “too much left to do” and was sent back, much to my disappointment. There are no human words to describe how awesome the Afterlife is.
How did your near-death experience impact your beliefs and understanding of life, death, and the afterlife?
The experience caused a gradual shift from being “religious” to being “spiritual”. Now I believe that I chose my life here for various purposes, and that I’m to do the best I can to learn to be “loving, kind, merciful, forgiving, encouraging, grateful, non-judgmental and useful”. The “afterlife” is really HOME.
Could you elaborate on the challenges and obstacles you faced during the two decades of soul-searching before deciding to write your memoir, "Misfit in Hell to Heaven Expat"?
Obstacles were myriad. My family and friends didn’t want to hear what I had experienced. It frightened them. My therapist said I had PTSD and she didn’t know how to help me. I lost my footing as a Catholic and didn’t know where to go next. It was a challenge to keep searching for answers, but after ten years, a series of strange synchronicities pointed the way.
In your memoir, what aspects of your journey do you believe will resonate the most with readers, and why?
We are all on a journey, and few people find a map. Religion, family, culture, and even education can give us mixed messages. My experience, and those of countless other NDEers, can give others a clarity of their purpose in this life and the hope that it can be attained. Our shared stories offer a positive future, lessen the fear of death, and lighten the load we carry in this reality.
As a speaker and podcast guest, what messages or insights do you aim to convey to your audience based on your near-death experience?
My main message is that my NDE taught me that God is all-loving and all-forgiving and would never condemn anyone. In addition, we are to be “loving, kind, merciful, forgiving, encouraging, grateful, non-judgmental and useful.
How has sharing your story with over 125 podcast programs influenced your perspective on the impact of personal narratives and storytelling?
Podcasts have been an incredible blessing. They have allowed people from all over the planet to share their lives with each other. I am incredibly grateful to all the podcasters that gave me the opportunity to share my message. Being told I had “too much left to do” when I was flat on my back in the ICU, unable to move or even breath on my own was overwhelming. But after the first podcaster contacted me, and then another, and yet another – I could see that it was possible. With probably close to two million views now, and many more people listening to audio-only podcasts, I feel like I really could get that “too much left to do” accomplished!
What role has spirituality played in your life post near-death experience, and how has it evolved over the years?
I was a “cradle Catholic”. I loved this religion and was steeped in it. After my NDE, questions started surfacing and had disturbing answers follow. Meeting other NDEers, I learned that most of them fell away from the rules and regulations of organized religion, and just believed in a God of complete love.
Were there any unexpected challenges or revelations that surfaced while writing and sharing your memoir with a wider audience?
Yes, I came upon people who rejected my message outright because it didn’t match up with what their religion had taught them. Some were downright scary. I had to learn to let their anger and disrespect go, and not get entangled in it.
As someone who has faced life-threatening challenges, what advice do you have for individuals dealing with difficult circumstances or seeking purpose in their lives?
I try to encourage them to listen to more NDE accounts and feel the peace and joy these people experienced in the Afterlife. Our purpose is basically to become loving and kind in all things, to all people, animals, and nature. We can trust the life we chose to give us opportunities to discover our purpose if we seek it.
How has your perspective on life and mortality shaped your relationships with family, friends, and the broader community?
Things are a lot easier from my side, but they are probably more difficult for my family, friends and the broader community. I am not the same person I was before the NDE. I have switched from being deeply religious to deeply spiritual and this has rocked the boat in my religious family.
In the process of writing and sharing your story, did you discover new layers of understanding or insights about your own experience that you hadn't initially considered?
Yes! I was able to see that the difficulties, even the “tragedies”, in my life ultimately worked for good. There is a gift of Empathy that we receive in hardship that is passed on to our future social interactions, making it almost feel worth it.
What do you hope readers and listeners take away from your memoir and your speaking engagements?
I hope that my readers come to accept that this life on Earth is not all there is, and that a loving God will welcome them upon their transition.
How long have you been associated with AllAuthor? How has your experience been
I’ve been associated with AllAuthor for several years and found their advertising “gadgets” and vehicles amazing! Putting these “made to order” or suggested offerings onto my LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts has made a huge difference in my social media presence. I highly recommend AllAuthor to any author. I find it the best “bang for my buck” and a superb, professional way to catch the eye of potential readers. So glad I found you!
