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Acknowledgments

Whenever I am asked about the writing of “my” book, I repeatedly state that this is not “my” book but “our” book. This book belongs to all of those individuals who helped me in some way. They are not only the many contributors who are listed on the dedication page but are also the kindhearted individuals who helped to promote it or gave me their love and encouragement.

I would like to begin by making special mention of Juliet Nightingale. At the very beginning of my research, I came across her Web site (www.towardthelight.org) and contacted her. Juliet had multiple near-death experiences and was the host of a radio show called Toward the Light. For reasons that I cannot explain, I knew that I was meant to contact her. The day after receiving my e-mail, Juliet responded, “I am meant to help you so I am going to help you.” I was amazed but not surprised.

Juliet gave two accounts to this book and put me in touch with many of the contributors; she even advertised my call for submissions on her Web site. I appeared as a guest on her popular Internet radio show, and whenever I began to get discouraged, she was always there with her love and support.

Sadly, Juliet was diagnosed with cancer and passed away on February 28, 2009. I will never forget the last conversation I had with her on this physical plane. I told her I was not ready to let her go yet. To this she immediately assured me with her sweet, calming voice, “Josie, it's OK. I will be there to help you from the Other Side.” I can feel her presence as I write these words now. I know she is here with me, and I also know she played a big part in getting this book published. Thank you, Juliet. You will forever be in my heart.

As I continued to delve into my spiritual quest, I came to the Web site of John W. Sloat (www.beyondreligion.com). John, a former Presbyterian clergyman, retired following forty years in the ministry after having a spiritual experience in which he recalled a past death. His Web site includes various mystical accounts submitted by people around the world. John graciously allowed me to contact some of his contributors who then agreed to be part of this book.

I am very grateful for his support and encourage all of you to take a look at his wonderful Web site for more information. As John writes, “There is a vast ocean of spiritual truth waiting to be discovered. In the future, we will no longer be frightened by God's continuing revelation in our day.”

My heartfelt thanks go out to Dr. Gary Schwartz for writing the foreword and for believing not only in me but also in the contents of this book. In addition, I send gratitude to Natalie Smith-Blakeslee for writing the preface and for helping me in so many ways including finding contributors for this book. Many contributors had an extra hand in helping me find afterlife accounts. They especially include Anthony Quinata, Christine Duminiak, R. Craig Hogan, and Ann Albers.

I would also like to thank Andrew Barone and Jane Heady for their kindness and support. To all the contributors who prayed for the release of this book, thank you from the bottom of my heart. So many of you believed in this book from the start including Cassie McQuagge, production manager with A.R.E. Press. Thank you, Cassie. You are a godsend.

It meant the world to me to have the support of so many experts in the field. I cannot thank them enough for agreeing to write a chapter for this book. They are Louis LaGrand, P.M.H. Atwater, Melvin Morse, Nancy Clark, Marie D. Jones, George Anderson, and Cheryl Booth.

Lastly, I would like to thank my loving family and all the wonderful friends who stood by me throughout the writing of this book. Special thanks go to Stan Paylago, a great lawyer and even better friend, for taking me on as his “pro-bono” client. I truly appreciate your help and guidance.

To my husband John, who is one heck of a proofreader, you mean the world to me. And to my two beautiful daughters, Erica and Lia, Mommy loves you very much.

Namaste!