Heaven is real. I say this not just because I believe it, I’ve seen it. The day I experienced it started like any other day.

I was 41 and although I felt pain and incredible squeezing in my chest, as a nurse, I rationalized why it was not a heart attack. By the time I finished my shower, my children, ages 19, 14 & 9 wandered in. One look and they were asking, “Mom, what’s wrong?”

My 19 year old son worked as a lifeguard. He assessed the situation and said, “Mom, you’re having a heart attack!” My knees began to buckle as he called 911. My son wasn’t supposed to be home that morning – his plans changed only the night before. After that, I remember only bits and pieces.

I remember being loaded into the ambulance and giving my kids a thumbs up as I said weakly, “I’ll be home for dinner.” What happened next I can only describe as a gift. Something God knew I needed to see. Something that would bring me comfort 3 years later when I lost my mom.

Back in the ambulance, I remember a paramedic saying, “Stay with me.” I heard, “We’re losing her.” I remember being asked to open my mouth and an awful taste.

Suddenly, I experienced a beautiful, round, comforting light over my right shoulder. I saw an amazing, pebbled pathway and a stream surrounded by green pastures. I could see others waving at the base of the light who looked familiar yet I didn’t know them. I had no fear or pain.

I wanted to walk down the path so badly but the paramedic continued to disturb me and I couldn’t quite get there. Following an admission to the hospital for cardiac care and testing, I was blessed to come home. I was blessed to have no damage to my heart – only an intermittent tachycardia controlled with medication.

Yet I came home with so much more! A firm belief that Heaven is real. A knowledge of where my beloved mother is. God knew when the time came, I needed to know she is safe and free of pain.

I may not always live my life in alignment with God’s will but my experience is unshakeable – even with the bumps, bruises, and disappointments of life – I know without question, Heaven is real!