|
5015
qualitative
book
Sabom, Michael. Light and Death. Zondervan, 1998. Chapter 5. Gloria.
Light and Death, Chapter 5, Gloria, 1998
1991
1991-04-30
1998
F
Gloria underwent a seven-hour esophagogastrectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, with only a 4% five-year survival rate. Her esophagus and stomach were removed and an artificial connection surgically created. During surgery, cancer was found to have spread to her esophageal wall and two lymph nodes, further reducing her survival chances. The surgery began at 9:15 AM on April 30, 1991.
In the recovery room immediately after surgery while vital signs were failing, Gloria experienced a white, lovely, iridescent light that was warm and very comforting, like reconciliation. She felt she had crossed over and been close and back again. She felt close to God but didn't see God directly. She experienced reconciliation with God, feeling whole, happy, completed, with joy, harmony, and unity with the universe. She felt like she had suddenly grown up and didn't have to be afraid anymore, like nothing could ever hurt her again. This light experience left her with what she called a powerful gift of faith that sustained her through recovery. She described it as being in a bubble or glass bell of faith where nothing could touch her, being held in the palm of God's hand 24 hours a day. This faith encompassment was deeper than anything and was all of God's grace. She prayed not to lose it and became known as the nurses' star patient who did remarkably well. Gloria survived well beyond medical expectations. Her son and daughter-in-law in Texas, members of an evangelical church that believes strongly in angels and prayer, prayed for her during surgery and believe their prayer helped. Gloria experienced lasting spiritual transformation with deepened intrinsic faith, increased meaning in life centered on her husband and eight grandchildren, enhanced capacity for love and forgiveness, and strengthened family involvement.
3
Hospital
17
10
30
Moderate Evidence
3
Seven-hour major surgery under general anesthesia, vital signs failing in recovery, high-mortality procedure
Experience of divine light and presence, spiritual insights about reconciliation
written_account
0.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
0.00
1.00
Dr. Michael Sabom
1994-05-01
8/4/2025
2
0
|