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The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences – Dr Penny Sartori

I spent my tenth birthday in hospital; I had what I believe was hepatitis. I had been ill for a few months when I was rushed into hospital with a high temperature and yellowing skin. I have got vague memories of going in an ambulance with the lights and sirens going. The next thing I remember is what I can only call a dream.

I was looking down on my living room from the ceiling. There was a small white coffin on a trolley; there was no other furniture in the room. The curtains were drawn and my mother was crying, dressed in black with a veil and she was smoking. I distinctly remember thinking that she shouldn't smoke, that it was bad for her. There was a light behind me and a voice told me this is what could happen, it was up to me whether I wanted to go back. I decided to go back.

I woke up and there was a nurse at my bedside, who looked very happy to see me awake, even though I was sick all over the bed. The feeling I had was one of absolute peace and it is something I have never experienced since, even though I am happily married with two boys.

I have no fear of dying; my only fear now is dying too soon and leaving my husband and children alone.

This all happened in 1967 and as far as I know I was not aware that children were buried in white coffins or that my mother’s family would follow the tradition of drawing the curtains when there is a death in the family. I have also found out that the doctor told the medical team that if my temperature hadn't started to drop within a few hours to call my parents in because I wouldn't make it through the night.