A woman shared her profound experiences of coming close to death on two occasions, vividly remembering observing medical professionals working to revive her lifeless body before deciding to return to it.
Barbara Bartolome’s encounters with death were extraordinary, starting when she was just 18 months old and stopped breathing during a severe fever, only to miraculously come back to life as her family watched in awe. Years later, at the age of 31, while in the hospital for back surgery preparations, Barbara’s heart stopped, leading her to witness her own body from above as medical personnel desperately tried to resuscitate her.
Recalling the events, Barbara, residing in Santa Barbara, California, recounted feeling a sense of peace and love while observing the chaotic scene below. She described a moment of connecting with a being she perceived as God, feeling pure acceptance and comfort in its presence.
Barbara’s near-death experience occurred in December 1987, during preparations for a laminectomy discectomy surgery for nerve pain in her back. An accidental injection of iodine into her brain led to a critical situation where she felt herself drifting away from her body, watching the medical team’s frantic efforts to save her life.
Despite the spiritual encounter and the realization of needing to make significant life changes, including ending her marriage, Barbara chose to return to her body out of concern for her young children. Witnessing the medical procedures from above, she saw her own heart flatline before pleading to be brought back to life.
Miraculously, after a dramatic moment of her heart restarting, Barbara regained consciousness in her body, astonishing the medical team. Following her recovery from the surgery, Barbara kept her near-death experience a secret for 12 years, eventually opening up to others and finding solace in sharing her story.
Believing that her encounter with death was a transformative experience meant to guide her towards personal growth, Barbara now advocates for embracing spiritual guidance and normalizing near-death experiences. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with the spiritual realm and understanding the profound lessons learned from such encounters, viewing her experience as a pivotal part of her life’s purpose.