This is why I do what I do...and it began in 1918...
on a Dairy farm in Southern Indiana. Times were so different then. Life was simple and fresh and pure as a tall glass of cold milk. Many people's livings were being made by cultivating the land and what it provided. A little boy was born by the name of Gerald and would be called Gerry.
Gerry, a cotton-topped three year old was playing in the yard one day when he saw his dad's tractor coming in from the fields to the barn. As he had done so many times before, Gerry went running and scaled the fence that kept him from his daddy. But, this time he fell. His left arm was broken and the old country doctor was fetched.
Casting for broken limbs was still relatively new and the doctor was very, very old.
Gerry's mother tried everything she could to keep him comfortable. Three days later he was screaming in pain and again the doctor was called. Off came the cast but alas it was too late. Gerry's arm had been wrapped too tight and gangrene set in due to lack of blood flow.
Gerry's life and mine were both altered that day when he lost his arm.
Gerry was my dad. He was my teacher, mentor, comforter, comedian, friend, and hero. There seemed to be nothing he couldn't do! He taught me how to tie my shoe with his long willowy dexterous fingers. He taught me how to shoot a gun and hit the target dead on. I can hit a bull's eye with a bow and arrow. He could too. He taught me how to shoot hoops and dribble a basketball. He taught me a love of antiques, books and music. He was gregarious to a fault and made friends wherever he went. He taught me empowerment by doing everything the best that I could. Without words he taught me there was nothing I couldn't do if I put my mind to it!
I was his only child and he was my only dad!
Back to the future.
After traveling to Indiana for my father's funeral (December 24th, 1982), my return for Christmas was sad and blurry. Shortly after Christmas I became ill. I was really sick. My fever hovered at about 102 degrees for three weeks and I could keep no food down. I was too weak to move. The clinic down the road had prescribed pills that I later discovered I was highly allergic to. I continued to take the pills and became sicker and sicker until it was almost too late.
My defining moment: My Near Death Experience: 
I was standing on the bank of the most incredibly gorgeous rolling land and electric blue water. There were so many flowers on the other side of the bank it was shocking to my psyche, not just my eyes, but my whole being.
Never have I witnessed such beauty and such a feeling of peace and love. A beautiful bridge crossed from my side to the other bank. I could feel the aroma of the flowers and the colors were more vivid than I had ever seen. The bridge seemed to be a small bridge yet as I came closer it seemed to become long, without end. I looked to the other side of the bank and low and behold there was my father! It was daddy!
He was coming towards me and entering the bridge. I had this rush of overwhelming feelings that I should run to him but my legs didn't move. I saw him begin to pick up pace and run across the bridge towards me. He exuded happiness. He seemed younger than I had seen him but it was, without question, my dad. About midway across the bridge a haze washed across. When dad came through the haze and continued towards me he was whole.
He ran to me and gave me the most beautiful two-armed hug I had ever imagined! It was the hug I had always dreamed of. We did not speak, yet we communicated and I felt his voice. He told me not to take the bridge and that I couldn't go with him. He said I still had things to do. He told me he was happy and he would see me again and that he loved me. I wanted to be there with him. I wanted to go. I felt safe and loved and more peaceful than I could ever have hoped for. Dad's answer was a definite "no".
When I awoke the next morning I felt as if I were healing. I was feeling stronger and thought I had a dream. I kept telling everyone that dad had come to me in a dream that night. With a lot of research and understanding I now know what really happened. Dad didn't visit me. I died. It just was not my time. The Lord sent me to dad to reassure me and to send me back. 
Boy, did I come back! My career in Commercial Leasing turned a corner. I was fearful that I might have lost my job for being out an entire month but instead I was promoted with a raise to the North Central Director of Marketing. My mourning healed, my body healed, my soul healed and I was ready for a fantastic future!
My love of Real Estate blossomed into the sales arena instead of the leasing end and my business is thriving. I revel in the fact that I can look people in the eye and say, "I want the best for you and I will work to see that happen." I know in my heart and soul I am doing what I am meant to do. I am helping people find their home and their comfort in this life. I am helping people with the largest investment most of them will ever make. I am helping people to find their happiness and their futures! I love people and am blessed to be in this business!
Thank you everyone here on Active Rain that will read and contribute to this. Thank you, Dad.
Deb
I have chosen to share my experience with more than my immediate family because it seems unfair. Not all of us will know the perfection of the other side till death. My experience is as real to me today as it was when it happened. I know each and every one of us will continue to continue. I strive to be the best I can be during my time here.
It was my defining moment.
and Proud of it. Deb
Brooks Prime Properties
Specializing in Lake Properties
Lake Livingston Texas
936-295-0005
Dave. You are welcome. I really debated about publishing this not knowing what kind of reaction I would get. Deb
Linda, Thank you. He was a great man! I learned so much from him, his attitude and humor. GBY, Deb
Interesting post today. Thank you~ it was very uplifting.!
Patricia Aulson/Hampton NH Real Estate www.patricia4realestate.com
Seacoast NH/ME & MA
How ironic...I should have known--there are no real coincidences, though, are there? I guess I should not be surprised that someone with such a depth of true spirituality would also share a brush with the other side...
Thank you for sharing such a deeply personal story, Debra!
Namaste
Wow, thanks for sharing. Deb, you were blessed with both a wonderful mom and dad. I'm glad that you still had things to do here. Your positive perspective is contagious. Grace and peace!
Loretta, I wish you would expound on the statement "there are no coincidences". You make me way curious. I want to hear more! Deb
Sondra, I'm glad I still had things to do here too! At the time I could have stayed put but now I'm glad for every day I'm back!
Melissa, Your story of the fire and Angels was beautiful. I guess you just have to experience miracles to admit they exist. Although, I think many people experience them without recognizing what just happened! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Deb
Hi Don, Thank you very much for visiting and reading. This is personal to me yet I think the world should know what beauty lies ahead. Deb
My mom died when I was 7....I mourned for her because I was just starting to get to know her......
One day I was so hurt and feeling so lonely about my mom being away that I went to sleep on my aunts couch..... and when I woke up my aunt was trying to wake me and telling everyone,"He is burning up...."
I am not sure how high my fever was, but they took me to a bedroom and they put cold washcloths on my face..
I told them I miss mom...I want to see her........
They told me that could NOT be done, she was dead and gone.......
When everyone was out of the room, I suddenly saw my mom......
we talked also, like you and your dad did........I missed her terribly.......
She told me I had things to accomplish...and a life to live.......
and she told me other things too......
I never forgot that day, after my fever went back down.......
I am still walking out that conversation.....
=-)
You know Alex, Anyone that has not experienced this would say you were hallucinating. How would a 7 year old come up with those statements if she hadn't been there? One cannot truly be a Believer if they don't honestly believe in life after death. I do without question.
My grandmother Julia was raised by her grandmother and their bond was unbreakable. Grandmother was a devout Christian. I remember her telling me the story that she was awakened in the night by her grandmother and she was standing at the foot of her bed. Julia's grandmother told her that she was to remember just how loved she was. She had to go but everything was fine and for her not to worry.
Julia got up and woke the entire house saying what just happened. She was certain that her grandmother just said goodbye.
The next morning a telegram arrived at the farm confirming her death the day before.
I would love to hear more about your experience. I am sure your mother is proud! God Bless, Deb
Great story. Great dad. Thank you for sharing that. Glad dad said "NO", it wasn't time for you to go yet.
I am not sure I want to go into detail about what we talked about.....
I AGAIN saw and talked with my mom when I became a Christian at the age of 18.......
Like I said...it is not something I talk about lightly......
I believed in God back when I was young, but grew dissalusioned without my moms influence through my middle school years and high school years.....
I am glad I met the BEST person in life to meet...OUR SAVIOR!!
\O/
Oh Karen, see? That's what I thought my experience was. A dream where dad visited. Nope, not for me. I went his way. Yours, on the other hand, sounds exactly like a visit from your brother. You woke with a calm and peaceful and almost totally healed feeling didn't you? Your brother gave you that dream about Milan so that your friend could verify that it was him. Anyone that believes in the Lord or at least a higher power must see that we are not temporary. We live on! Your dream was REAL. It wasn't a dream. It was a visit. How lucky you are for this to have happened. How special you must have been to him for him to make that visit. You were blessed.
I continue to look for something from my mother. I have received major signs but they are not the same. The hug from dad was what healed me. I knew he was okay. Not dead. His words are what brought me back. Thank you for sharing such a special and personal experience.
My daughter had a "dream visit" from my mother instead of me. It played out much like yours. At some point I will share that too.
I feel better letting the world know. It doesn't make us crazy. Just lucky. Again, thank you, Karen. Deb
Alexander, I understand how you feel about the personal side. I think I have just come to accept this as a part of myself now. So, I guess I thought since it's me, let it be!
My dad was a very spiritual and Christian man. I was raised in the church and dad always taught me to trust in the Lord. And, I do so still.
You were blessed with a visit from your mom twice? No wonder you are so closely bound with the Lord. I am amazed and thrilled that others don't think I'm crazy! I did worry about that at first. I wrote this about dad and sat on it a few days to make sure I did the right thing. The bottom line was that it was my defining moment and there was nothing I could do to change that.
You are very lucky and have seen the other side. GBY, Alex. Hold your experience close to your heart. Deb
Wow, what a story you've weaved for us. Ain't nothing like true life experiences, well written, to bring out those god bumps.
You've shared your story well. Thank you!
That might be the most beautiful and inspiring post I have ever read. It is not often I read a long post from start to finish, but I read every word of this.
What a defining and profound experience! Thank you for allowing us to have a glimpse into your life.
Thank you Marchel, My dad and my Father have helped me to have a wonderful life! I'm glad you found it too...if it makes you feel good it just isn't bad. Deb
Gary, I believe it was the love of God that allowed me to return from such a miraculous meeting. I don't really think I'm courageous but I thank you for saying so. I am simply a strong believer and "quiet" is not one of my attributes! You are a good friend and writer. I am glad you enjoyed it. Deb
Adam, I guess that's what this contest is all about! I loved your post. I felt as if I knew you and already admired you after reading it. You've been a driving force here on AR and I am thrilled to discover you too! I have subscribed to your blogs and have been reading through them. We are Kindred spirits, Adam. I am looking forward to a long and rich friendship with you! I vote for you. You're my winner. Deb
Jason! I would be honored! I'm on my way...must have overlooked it but I would love to join. I will put it in right now. Family Ties I'm on my way. Deb
Jason, thank you! Congratulations to you for the honorable mention. I loved reading your post. You share your heart and love for your family so openly and I admire that. I am glad to call you friend. Deb
Missy, Congratulations on your Honorable Mention also. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about your dad and there was never a moment that I doubted your passion. That shows in your posts. I will be reading more of your works. Later in the Rain! Deb
Suzi, my dear girlfriend. I didn't know that you didn't know about the contest or I would have let you know!!!!!!!! You know I love reading your stuff! Later in the Rain! Deb
Julie, that is certainly high praise from the numero uno big #1 winner! I had a ball reading your post. You were blessed with a wonderful family and a patient one and you were blessed with a patients and a caring barring none! You are a lovely young woman are are talented in many ways. It is my pleasure to call you a friend. Deb
Thank you Midori, I was filled with emotion as I wrote it. The experience is as clear for me today as it was that morning in 1982. I'm glad to know that as I lose my short term memory this will always remain. Later in the Rain! Deb
Diane, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. You must have read thousands of posts and to have your praise is a real perk for me. Thanks and I'll see you later in the rain, Deb
Thank you Roberta! He was a wonderful man and I too believe he is proud. Deb
Wow! That was some experience! Your dad sounds like a great person!
Congratulations on your win in the contest!
Charity, I do have an angel. I will take your advice. It sounds excellent. Later in the rain, Deb
Thank you Brigita, I enjoyed your post also. I have always loved horses but have never had the opportunity to own and love one. You are very lucky. Later in the rain, Deb
Debra,
My horse happens to be a people horse and everyone loves him. Whenever you are up my way, I can bring you over to meet him. He may be big, but he's lovable.
Well, here I sit with big tears in my eyes, I have always known that we are watched after by our departed loved ones, you can hear them if you listen.... your story has already helped several people as evidenced above - so, the world is better with you in it, and that is why your daddy sent you back to the rest of us.