To Heaven and Back

I missed this book when it first came out, and heard about the author's experience during the recent Netflix series on death. It is a striking story involving a kayak accident which should have resulted in her death but became instead a central and catalytic life experience, especially given her medical background as an orthopaedic surgeon. Her rescue and recovery can certainly be regarded as miraculous, and her faith in God shines throughout the book, which also includes an account of the tragic death of her son Willie in a freak accident. Her creed involves an absolute trust in God and the interconnected nature of life events, the reality of heaven and God's unconditional love and support. In this respect, she quotes some key passages of the New Testament on prayer and joy. She is sensitive to the different forms that messages can take, including on one occasion the persistent presence of an owl that persuaded her to make a trip when her stepfather was dying. The reality of the invisible realm comes through strongly, especially in relation to her son's untimely death – he had many intimations that his life would be a short one, but also that his death was part of a larger plan in understanding more deeply the nature of loss – there is a moving incident with a Rwandan Catholic priest in relation to massacres in his country. Readers are encouraged to make their own lives a form of dedicated service to the glory of God, listening to His inner guidance and giving thanks in all circumstances. The book is another powerful expression of the overall spiritual message of NDEs.