I drowned when I was five years old. I choked on water at first, then stopped fighting it and felt fine. I marveled at the beauty of the green water and colors of the fish, and watched calmly as their mouths opened and shut as they swam by or bumped into me. Then I rose to the top of the water. I could either look beneath or over it, or go up. I went up in the sky and hovered over the pond. I saw my mom and sister on a blanket sunbathing and talking. I saw my brother at the edge of the pond; he was on my board that I had been floating on. That’s what caused me to drown. I could only dog paddle, and I used the board to get out in the middle of the pond, when he took it I sunk. As I hovered and watched them, I was angry that I had died and no one even noticed.

While in a coma, I remember being sent through a tube. It felt like I was on a roller coaster except this ride was much faster. I say “sent” because it was a surprise; I didn't feel like I made a choice to enter the ride. It was as real as any amusement park ride I've ever been on. I never felt like I was in danger. I remember that it took me through various events of my past, such as times I spent at my grandparents’ house during my youth. I remembered going to the corner store to buy wrestling magazines and then walking back to their house.

I have made many mistakes throughout my life. I have fallen then risen, hurt then healed. I have seen many things and I believe I’ve learned a lot in my 19 years. As a result of my experiences my life has changed in many ways, and I am now the great person today from all that I have learned and overcome. My near-death experience began one Sunday morning. I had just awoken, and was looking forward to the day. I felt good, and I had hopes my life would go in the right direction. I was delighted that my partner from a previous relationship had finally realized how much he had hurt me, and that he was willing to change. I remember going to the kitchen to eat something then returning back to my room. I noticed I had a text message. I went forth and read the message. In a few words my cousin was asking me if I was aware that my ex was dating this guy I thought was my friend. Instantly I didn't know how to react. I knew I had to confirm if this was true, so I thought of how I could find out. I remember feeling in a panic, and I could feel all my anger and anxiety surging. Then I finally got it. I would call his best friend and ask her. I would get my answer. I decided to call her. After she said I knew too much she confirmed it was indeed true. I asked her how long they had been seeing each other, and she told me two weeks.

In 1981 I went into the hospital for arthroscopic surgery to repair damage in my left knee from an accident I had almost 10 years earlier. I had waited a long time to have this kind of non-invasive surgery until it was more perfected. I knew recuperation would be so much faster and gentler than the alternative of undergoing the major patella type offered at the time of injury. I had no idea that the day would change my life forever.