A few days later I was taken to the normal hospital room (I was previously in held in critical care unit).  At this time I was off of all respirators but was still receiving IV's for pain, food, etc.  I was awake and aware of my environment - dozing off and on as best I could when I was comfortable. 

The next thing I knew I was standing on a black sea. It rippled like small waves - but it was solid like black silk.  I turned my head to the left and I saw a bright purple light as if it was coming from a doorway off in the distance.  I remember thinking to myself...this should be a white light, not purple... 

I then found myself following a white orb that was down and to my left - about waist height.  It was spherical, with different colored small lights twinkling on and off - most of them were white lights.  I had the feeling that I was in space - I saw darkness and stars above me.  The orb took me across planets as if it was taking me 'away' from something.  I followed it willingly - no thought was in my head except how fantastic this was.  Then the thought came to me that I can't leave now - my daughters are not ready for me to leave.  I began to feel the presence of another being, although I did not see anyone else. I told them I had to go back, that we all (myself and my children) would need to go together.  The "presence" agreed with me, and I told him (as with telepathy but still hearing words) that I would spend the rest of my life telling people that he existed.  I was taken back to the sea of black silk.  The being 'hugged' me and repeated the word "together" - but it was in a very funny sounding voice - almost mechanical. 

I then had the sensation of 'falling back down' and slowing coming back into my body - it was a very heavy sensation - and I remember seeing the world through my eyes again - and I thought to myself "I am going to open my eyes and the nurses/doctors will be working on me as if my heart had stopped" - but I was alone in my room. 

I later noticed that I had developed something on my right upper arm (the same place that I felt the hug from the 'being that I couldn't see'- it blistered as if it had been burned - my whole arm swelled up (the reason for an extra few days stay in the hospital).  A dermatologist and infections disease doctor both came into my hospital room to see my arm.  No one had ever seen anything like it before - no explanation but a few theories 1.  fixed drug eruption and 2.  Reaction to the blood pressure cuff that I had on my arm during my two surgeries -- although again, no one had ever seen anything like that before. 

It's been six weeks, my arm is getting better but it is still blistered and itchy. 

This was a very profound experience for me - somewhere between and out of body experience and an alien experience.  I don't know what it was that I was in the presence of - and it bothers me that I can't make good on my vow to "spend the rest of my life telling people that he exists" when I don't know really what or who 'he' is.  I do know that I had a very profound sense that this was real - and not a dream.  I know the difference between a dream, a dream that seems real, and an 'experience'.

Any associated medications or substances with the potential to affect the experience?     Uncertain            I was in the hospital under many medications.

Was the kind of experience difficult to express in words? No      

At the time of this experience, was there an associated life threatening event?          No      

What was your level of consciousness and alertness during the experience?           Resting a few days after 2 traumatic surgeries.

            Was the experience dream like in any way?   No

Did you experience a separation of your consciousness from your body?     Yes     I was separated from my body because in the end I had to come back into my body - but I remember "standing" on the black silk sea, I remember looking at my feet (sort of remember 'dancing' in rain???)

What emotions did you feel during the experience?            At first - complete separation from the world - not even a thought of anything except what I was seeing/doing.

Lastly - Remembering my family and how they still needed me...but left with the overwhelming feeling that this separation was only temporary - that I would be back.

Did you hear any unusual sounds or noises?           Just the sound of the being telling me the word "together".  Maybe the sound of rain.

LOCATION DESCRIPTION:  Did you recognize any familiar locations or any locations from familiar religious teachings or encounter any locations inhabited by incredible or amazing creatures?    No           

Did you see a light?           Yes     A bright purple light in a distance - as if from a huge doorway

Did you meet or see any other beings?           Yes     Felt their presence, felt the 'hug' goodbye, but did not see anything except the orb with lights.

Did you experiment while out of the body or in another, altered state? No      

Did you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience that could be verified later?          No      

Did you notice how your 5 senses were working, and if so, how were they different?          Yes     I could see color, movement, and I could hear his voice, but that is all.

Were you involved in or aware of a decision regarding your return to the body?       Yes     I said I had to get back to my kids, and the being agreed.

How has the experience affected your relationships? Daily life? Religious practices? Career choices?       It has only been a few weeks since the experience.  I am still at home recovering - and contemplating.

Has your life changed specifically as a result of your experience?         No      

Have you shared this experience with others?         Yes     My family - they haven't said much.  It didn't happen during the surgery where I was in trouble - it was afterward - and very much subdued, peaceful experience.

What emotions did you experience following your experience?  Mostly Curiosity.

What was the best and worst part of your experience?      No worst part, no part of the experience was bad.