Positioned at the opening of a tunnel I could see in the distance my parents slowly advancing toward me. The tunnel appeared no more than about eight feet in diameter. Light was glowing from behind them and around them. I watched with curiosity and soon realized they were coming for me. I sensed others behind them.

They appeared in their late 50's, dressed as usual in nice blue summer outfits. Being only aware of their upper bodies they seemed to be gliding effortlessly through the tunnel toward me. Both had slight grins on their faces. No one spoke a word. I had no pain. I wasn't aware of a body but my eyesight was incredibly sharp.

Suddenly I could see myself lying on a hospital bed, restrained with tubes seemingly everywhere, including in my mouth. Looking around I appeared to be in a spaceship. Extremely tall men in white coats were present talking in a hushed voice. My husband was also present and talking to one of the men. I heard the tall man say we have to take her up now. My immediate thought was I guess this is how you get to Heaven. I felt relaxed and ready to go. The tall man said to my husband, “And you can go too.”

My next awareness was in my hospital room. I was alone, the shades were open, it was dark outside. Looking around I could see into the next building across a courtyard. One of the rooms had a light on and sitting by a window, complete with top hat, was President Abraham Lincoln. My thought was: that's crazy. I closed my eyes, then tried focusing elsewhere. Every time I looked over Abe was still there. A nurse entered my room. I couldn't help myself; I asked her if she could see Abe Lincoln in that window. She did not. He stayed all night.

It felt to me like I was awake all night. When morning came my husband and son came to see me. I told them about my experiences. It was then I found out I had cardiac arrest on the operating table during spine surgery. It took three rounds of CPR to revive me. I had four broken ribs from the procedures. My surgery was Friday; it was now Sunday morning.

I have no doubt my soul left my body for a brief time. Consciousness survived. The experience was so vivid and real. Thirty-three months have elapsed since my NDE. The images are still dramatic in my mind. As for Abraham Lincoln, just maybe he's a spirit guide or angel watching over me.