Sharing the unknown

Hjello all,

I would like to share a very interesting story of the unknown with you. I don't post much here, but mostly read other posts and chime in every now and then. If you look at my previous posts or threads you can see that I'm very interested in the unknown of what happens after this life is over. I lost my father back in 08, and have been searching for any tidbits of what awaits us if anything after this life ever since. I've read stories of near death experiences, visions, and out of body experiences, but until today I have never talked with anyone who had them, let alone someone I trust and with this level of randomness.

The subject is my uncle Ricky. First of all, he's not my uncle by blood, but I have always called him uncle and he and my dad were just like brothers. He is in his sixties now and having his own health issues, but has a great sense of humor. He was my fathers best friend growing up and into their adulthood. After my mother and father divorced, Uncle Ricky moved in as a room mate and split the bills with dad. Later as I grew older, uncle Ricky moved out and got his own place. They stayed in touch and have always had a close bond together.

When my dad passed away, I was unable to reach uncle Ricky. I found out later that was because he was in the hospital with pneumonia. Fast forward to my fathers services at the funeral home. I see a man walk in the double doors down the long hall in the funeral home. I don't recognize him at first, but notice he is struggling to walk and coughing more than usual. As he gets closer to us, I realize this is my uncle Ricky, fresh out of the hospital and come hell or high water he was going to pay his respects to his best friend. That's the kind of man and friend he is. As he makes his way to us and wraps his arms around me, he says in a comforting, father like voice, "That's my boy."

Now, fast forward to this week of two thousand and ten. Just yesterday I was thinking about how good of a friend my father had in uncle Ricky, and how he had the dedication and love for his friend to pay his respects even in the worst of health. While I was thinking this, I said a prayer. This prayer was not a bow your head, close your eyes kind of prayer, but a driving down the road thinking out loud kind of prayer. I asked God to remind me to get in touch with uncle Ricky and see how he was doing. I thought this to myself and carried on with the rest of the day.

Next, I went grocery shopping this afternoon. As I strolled down the aisle with my buggy, I saw a face that caught my eye. It's the kind of interaction where your brain has picked up on something familiar and you just need to have that little bit of time to process it. Sure enough, it was my uncle Ricky. He was much thinner than I remembered, but still had the same eyes and smile. He hugged my neck and we began to catch up on how each other had been doing. In conversation, we got on the subject of dad. I was explaining to uncle Ricky how much I missed him and the details of our last minutes together.

As I was explaining how my dad and I were together when he passed fertilizing the vegetable garden, particularly the cucumbers, he went misty eyed; having a sentimental or dreamy quality. He then goes on to say "I seen your daddy." With a short pause he continues, "The day your dad passed I was in the doctors office very sick. I got to coughing so bad I passed out. While I was passed out I saw Doug. He was in a long dark tunnel, with a checkered shirt on, headed towards a great big ole bright light. He looked at me and smiled and said well, I'll see ya later." He goes on to finish this incredible story, "He came to tell me good-bye. The next thing I knew, the doctor was in my face with oxygen and nurses were talking to me."

This is so significant to me because uncle Ricky explains that he didn't get the phone call that my dad had passed until later that evening when he was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia, so at the point of his experience, he had no recent contact with my father or any idea my dad had passed. He strictly witnessed this while he was unconscious due to hypoxia, lack of oxygen. As you all can imagine, this was very significant to me, and I'm still digesting it all. As I was leaving the grocery store I passed by uncle Ricky again, gave him one last hug, and said "Thank you for telling me that, it made my whole year," he simply smiled and said "it's true too." Thank you for reading and it feels good to share this with you all.

Once in awhile ATS is used for something constructive.

Once in awhile ATS is used for something constructive.

I have stories too,but they are mine,and will die with me.

Edited for misunderstanding.
Sorry about that.

You should talk to your uncle more,before you lose him too.

I have been watching loved ones drift away for years.

Sorry for the vagueries,I have nothing more to offer.

reply to post by Gumerk
That's a neat story and I'm glad you posted it. We'll all find out one day and it's cool to have a few indicators that something else is out there after death. Your story also shows a bit of synchronicity with how you all cross paths. Yeah, I know synchronicity is considered BS and my own logic even rejects it, but sometimes it's hard to avoid the idea that it's there in some form.

Take the events however you wish, they must offer some comfort.

Originally posted by chiponbothshoulders
You should talk to your uncle more,before you lose him too.

I have been watching loved ones drift away for years.

Sorry for the vagueries,I have nothing more to offer.

No problem bud. I probably took your post the wrong way. Thank you, and you're right, enjoy them all in this life while you can. I never take seeing someone from old times for granted nowadays.