Fantastic piece, Justin! My out-of-body-esque experience happened so recently I don't even feel like I can share it yet! I didn't almost die - promise - but woah. I'll write about it at some point, I'm sure.
And thank you for the shout-out! The trees look right at home here. :)
Really hoping to make it to the fire this week. The rain prompt intrigues...
Really?! I’m very intrigued to say the least. Please do write and share! I’ve never had any out-of-body experiences, but my grandfather did many years ago. If memory serves me correctly, he died for roughly a minute while being operated on, and he remembered looking down and seeing himself being worked on/the room. I can still remember him telling me about his experience at their kitchen table. My grandma wrote about it in a book she had published back in the eighties titled “Touch of Infinity.”
Thank you again for the trees! Love them! 🙌 And I hope to see you at the fire! 😀
That gives me chills, yet I’m sure it was comforting for your father. My mom used to work the night shift at a nursing home, and she used to tell me stories like yours. Patients at the end of the road, seeing deceased family members by their bedside. Once they started seeing others, talking to them, my mom knew the end was fast approaching.
Yeah, it scared the hell out of me. And was also comforting. My father was orphaned and raised by his grandmother after his father was killed and then his mother died of tuberculosis six months later.
My goodness, I can’t imagine living through two major losses one right after the other. It’s heartbreaking. I’m sure that made him cherish his time with you even more.
By the way, thank you so much for reading my story. It means a lot to me! 🙏
I liked the story and the new divider! I’ve never had an out-of-body experience. Long ago, I remember hearing that NASA astronauts got them when spinning on the centrifuge.
Thanks, Geoffrey! Along the Hudson needed some sprucing up, and I’m delighted Meg was able to give me a hand. You know, the bit you mentioned about NASA is ringing a bell. It’s so interesting!
Eerie feeling as the character floats between two worlds. I like the idea of the spirit guide sent to help him. In the end it's uplifting that Jamar gets another chance at life, presumably with new insight.
Thanks so much, Jim. I’m happy you pointed that detail out! It was one of my favorites in the story. I like to think that he will approach life a little differently after the crash, too.
Good stuff, Justin. I had the flu so bad once that I was hallucinating. Then at one point, I couldn’t move my body. I remember thinking, “l can’t move.” But I never floated. That I remember.
Making music is often an out of body experience for me. 🤣 Or more accurately, out of my head.
This was really good! A visceral transition from life to death and back. I was a 100/200 meter runner back in the days, so I identified with the "start fast, finish matter" motto, although it's really hard to do so for 400/800 meters haha. Beautiful new divider too. And The Tourist is a banger of a song.
Thanks for the kind words, Thomas! I’m happy you enjoyed the story. Haha, darn, I thought maybe that bit would ring true for mid-distance runners as well. I knew I should have gone with 100/200 meters! 🤣 And yes! I love that song and album.
Your story was captivating and compelling. I felt as if I were there--or not quite there as I read along.
Out-of-body experiences came for weeks after my mom’s passing, most often in that weird space “falling awake” when you’re between sleep and wakefulness. Two years later, I still encounter that hovering feeling.
Thank you, Amie. Wow, I’ve never experienced a feeling quite like the one you describe. That’s some powerful stuff. I’ve received signs in various ways, had conversations with loved ones in dreams that have felt very real, and once I fell asleep at the wheel and I’m convinced a deceased relative woke me and was watching over me.
I really like this, Justin, and so well written! I did have a strange (to me) experience a very long time ago. Perhaps it was only a dream but it got my attention. I saw myself rolling over in bed and as I was about to fall to the floor a voice said clearly, "Have you spoken to Jesus?". Then I woke up wondering what brought that on. Nothing like it before or after. I've not forgotten it.
Nicely crafted, Justin. Excellent dialog, beautifully sequenced. I read this sentence, "... Jamari can’t help but step on the gas and weave in and out of traffic." and I instantly disliked Jamari! So many drivers think they are inside a video game - like they have lost touch with reality and have no idea the number of people they put at risk on the road. I believe Jamari may slow down now. Glad it happened before he killed himself or someone's child. Great story.
I agree with you regarding Jamari, Sharron! I’ve seen so many drivers like him on the road, and they don’t consider how impactful their recklessness can be. Sadly, it’s often too late before they learn their lesson. I’m hopeful he slows down and changes his attitude about this aspect of his life.
My favorite line from the Radiohead song is “Idiot...slow down.” I so badly wanted to include the lyrics in the song to show him singing, but I didn’t want to mess with copyrighted material in any way.
I really appreciate it! Thank you. Yes, I’ve seen quite a few of those drivers who don’t give anyone else a thought. My hope is that Jamari will turn this aspect of his life around.
And great, thank you for the recommendation! I’ve never heard of it, but I’ll be sure to check it out!
Excellent story, you did a great job describing the crash and the rise to the afterlife. My favorite book on this topic is "What Dreams May Come" by Richard Matheson. The made a terrible movie from the book so I would avoid that and read the book. I will be there on Friday.
Fantastic piece, Justin! My out-of-body-esque experience happened so recently I don't even feel like I can share it yet! I didn't almost die - promise - but woah. I'll write about it at some point, I'm sure.
And thank you for the shout-out! The trees look right at home here. :)
Really hoping to make it to the fire this week. The rain prompt intrigues...
Really?! I’m very intrigued to say the least. Please do write and share! I’ve never had any out-of-body experiences, but my grandfather did many years ago. If memory serves me correctly, he died for roughly a minute while being operated on, and he remembered looking down and seeing himself being worked on/the room. I can still remember him telling me about his experience at their kitchen table. My grandma wrote about it in a book she had published back in the eighties titled “Touch of Infinity.”
Thank you again for the trees! Love them! 🙌 And I hope to see you at the fire! 😀
Wow. When my father was on his deathbed, he kept saying his father was standing in the doorway—my father was only 6 when his father was killed in WW2.
That gives me chills, yet I’m sure it was comforting for your father. My mom used to work the night shift at a nursing home, and she used to tell me stories like yours. Patients at the end of the road, seeing deceased family members by their bedside. Once they started seeing others, talking to them, my mom knew the end was fast approaching.
Yeah, it scared the hell out of me. And was also comforting. My father was orphaned and raised by his grandmother after his father was killed and then his mother died of tuberculosis six months later.
My goodness, I can’t imagine living through two major losses one right after the other. It’s heartbreaking. I’m sure that made him cherish his time with you even more.
By the way, thank you so much for reading my story. It means a lot to me! 🙏
Thank you writing that story!
I liked the story and the new divider! I’ve never had an out-of-body experience. Long ago, I remember hearing that NASA astronauts got them when spinning on the centrifuge.
Thanks, Geoffrey! Along the Hudson needed some sprucing up, and I’m delighted Meg was able to give me a hand. You know, the bit you mentioned about NASA is ringing a bell. It’s so interesting!
Now, THERE’S a story!!
Eerie feeling as the character floats between two worlds. I like the idea of the spirit guide sent to help him. In the end it's uplifting that Jamar gets another chance at life, presumably with new insight.
Well done Justin!
Thanks so much, Jim. I’m happy you pointed that detail out! It was one of my favorites in the story. I like to think that he will approach life a little differently after the crash, too.
Good stuff, Justin. I had the flu so bad once that I was hallucinating. Then at one point, I couldn’t move my body. I remember thinking, “l can’t move.” But I never floated. That I remember.
Making music is often an out of body experience for me. 🤣 Or more accurately, out of my head.
Thank you, Mark! And yikes, your experience with the flu sounds like an absolute nightmare! 😱
That was the sickest I have ever been. It was weird.
As always, another great short story. Loved this.
Thanks so much for reading, Chris! I’m happy you liked it!
This was really good! A visceral transition from life to death and back. I was a 100/200 meter runner back in the days, so I identified with the "start fast, finish matter" motto, although it's really hard to do so for 400/800 meters haha. Beautiful new divider too. And The Tourist is a banger of a song.
Thanks for the kind words, Thomas! I’m happy you enjoyed the story. Haha, darn, I thought maybe that bit would ring true for mid-distance runners as well. I knew I should have gone with 100/200 meters! 🤣 And yes! I love that song and album.
Thanks again! 🙏
Your story was captivating and compelling. I felt as if I were there--or not quite there as I read along.
Out-of-body experiences came for weeks after my mom’s passing, most often in that weird space “falling awake” when you’re between sleep and wakefulness. Two years later, I still encounter that hovering feeling.
Thank you, Amie. Wow, I’ve never experienced a feeling quite like the one you describe. That’s some powerful stuff. I’ve received signs in various ways, had conversations with loved ones in dreams that have felt very real, and once I fell asleep at the wheel and I’m convinced a deceased relative woke me and was watching over me.
I really like this, Justin, and so well written! I did have a strange (to me) experience a very long time ago. Perhaps it was only a dream but it got my attention. I saw myself rolling over in bed and as I was about to fall to the floor a voice said clearly, "Have you spoken to Jesus?". Then I woke up wondering what brought that on. Nothing like it before or after. I've not forgotten it.
That’s very strange and spooky. It would have freaked me out for sure. Simply hearing about it gave me goosebumps!
I really appreciate the kind words. Thank you for reading, James!
Nicely crafted, Justin. Excellent dialog, beautifully sequenced. I read this sentence, "... Jamari can’t help but step on the gas and weave in and out of traffic." and I instantly disliked Jamari! So many drivers think they are inside a video game - like they have lost touch with reality and have no idea the number of people they put at risk on the road. I believe Jamari may slow down now. Glad it happened before he killed himself or someone's child. Great story.
I agree with you regarding Jamari, Sharron! I’ve seen so many drivers like him on the road, and they don’t consider how impactful their recklessness can be. Sadly, it’s often too late before they learn their lesson. I’m hopeful he slows down and changes his attitude about this aspect of his life.
My favorite line from the Radiohead song is “Idiot...slow down.” I so badly wanted to include the lyrics in the song to show him singing, but I didn’t want to mess with copyrighted material in any way.
Thanks as always for reading and commenting! 🙏
Well written short. An interesting challenge. As is your Fifties by the Fire. Maybe I'll give it a go.
Thanks so much, Jim! Writing “fifties” is a great exercise that allows writers to focus on word choice and economizing language.
Here’s an example of one of our “fires”: https://alongthehudson.substack.com/p/fifties-by-the-fire-parent-and-child/comments
Hope to see you there, and thanks again for reading! 🙏
That was awesome and I know that guy passed me! Really pulls you in. The Martyrs Song by Ted Dekker is also a great nde book.
I really appreciate it! Thank you. Yes, I’ve seen quite a few of those drivers who don’t give anyone else a thought. My hope is that Jamari will turn this aspect of his life around.
And great, thank you for the recommendation! I’ve never heard of it, but I’ll be sure to check it out!
Nicely done - this feels like it could be the beginning of something good.
Thanks for reading, Nibbins. Maybe I’ll add some more to it someday!
Excellent story, you did a great job describing the crash and the rise to the afterlife. My favorite book on this topic is "What Dreams May Come" by Richard Matheson. The made a terrible movie from the book so I would avoid that and read the book. I will be there on Friday.
Thank you very much for the kind words and recommendation, Scott. And awesome! Looking forward to seeing you there! 🔥