Phenomena Encountered: The Magazine Issue 6 | Page 8

Phenomenal Encounters:

Crossing over and Awakening

"Death is a destination of finality. We are all headed towards this destination, which, depending on beliefs, leads us to an afterlife, or to a never-ending sleep. Throughout the pages in the book, I will explore questions that we all have regarding the processes of death and beliefs of an afterlife. The stories shrouded in the mystery of death will hold a true testament to the beliefs of groups throughout history and today."

These are the infamous and wise words of our own Chuck Banks. Even though we are all aware of our own mortality however, I do not believe that we are every truly ready for it or the mortality of a loved one. That was the case with reader and Patron Raymond and his father.

As a hospice nurse I have seen family struggle with watching their loved one experience the dying process. They feel loss, helplessness, and even regret. I am honored that Raymond shared his experience with me an has agreed to have his story featured in this issue of the magazine. During this time of helping his father pass on, he is also working through his own personal, spiritual awakening.

I had to speak with Raymond twice because I had lost the recording of our first conversation. This is not the first time that I had tech issues while conducting an interview with a gifted person. I've had to replace an iPad, batteries, and now a digital recorder. As a child Raymond had experiences with spirit entities and what could be called paranormal experiences. Raymond is unique that he has progressed fair enough that he had the ability to help his father cross over from this physical world to the next step into his journey. I'm thrilled that Raymond was able to help his father in this manner and he was able to discover early on in his path that he is heading into the right direction. Many of us know what sometimes it can take years for such a sign or accomplishment.