(This is a repost of a blog I wrote on February 25, 2019. I have updated some of the information. I was overwhelmed by the positive response to the video. I did not expect to receive comments from around the world. As I passed the midpoint in writing my memoir, I realized more clearly the tremendous impact my near-death experience had on my healing journey. Perhaps my story will bring hope to someone else who walks a similar path.
Note: To answer a question posed by several commenters to the video asked why my father was not prosecuted for child abuse –In 1964, there were no mandatory reporting laws for suspected child abuse. Sex was still a taboo subject and most professionals didn’t believe a parent would molest a child. Most medical professionals avoided the topic by ignoring a child’s outcry of abuse.)
Taking a Risk
At 65, I considered myself an expert at telling my story. I successfully compartmentalized the events of my childhood into tidy tidbits that I could share without triggering internal distress. However, about a year ago, my tidy somewhat academic and clinic approach to recounting the horrific events was turned upside down when I shared my near-death experience with my HBU Apologetics classmates. Sharing the story was difficult, but when Dr. Michael Licona, the instructor, asked if I would be willing to produce a video about the experience, I was terrified. After a few days of prayer and thought, I agreed to produce the video. Agreeing to video my near-death experience was the catalyst for this blog. I started the blog, so viewers of the video would have a place to go to learn more about my story and to ask questions.
A Conversation with My Granddaughter
Although it took a year for me to get the equipment, videographer and the time to put together a quality video. My granddaughter, Angellee Korine Martinez, filmed and edited the video. As she filmed me I felt as though I was telling her my story. I did not feel the need to be academic or clinical, rather, I felt I was passing down important information about my life. Angel is named for the child that I lost on the night I describe in the video and I felt like I was telling my granddaughter about her. I realize now that telling my story is an important piece of my legacy not just a way to provide encouragement for others.
I am grateful to Dr. Michael Licona for asking me to share my Near-Death experience. His invitation to make a video led to the creation of this blog site and began a conversation with my granddaughter that I hope will continue as she asks more questions about what happened to me and my journey to emotional and spiritual health.
(As I mentioned in a recent post, The Art of Meaningful Connection, I continued telling my story to my granddaughter, Angellee Martinez, after the release of this video. The experience has been healing and encouraging.)
As you view the video, imagine the importance of sharing your story with at least one other person.
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