A woman from California has shared her extraordinary account of dying on two separate occasions, including a vivid out-of-body experience during surgery where she claims to have encountered a divine being. Barbara Bartolome, now 69, says these events have left her completely unafraid of death.
First Death at 18 Months
Barbara's first brush with death occurred when she was just 18 months old. During a high fever, she stopped breathing and her body turned purple and lifeless. Her family recalled her suddenly coming back to life, an event that would foreshadow a later, more profound experience.
The Surgery That Changed Everything
In December 1987, at age 31, Barbara was admitted to hospital for a laminectomy discectomy, a decompression surgery to treat nerve pain in her back. During preparation, a myogram was performed, involving an injection of iodine into her spinal cord. An X-ray technician accidentally shifted the table, causing the dye to seep into her brain. Barbara began to feel faint and lost consciousness.
She awoke to find herself floating near the ceiling, watching medical staff frantically working on her lifeless body below. She recalls the surgeon calling a code blue. A sense of peace enveloped her, and she felt the presence of a being she identified as God. This being communicated with her, offering unconditional love and acceptance.
Despite the tranquility, Barbara was deeply concerned about her young children, Juli and Scott. She pleaded to return to her body. The being asked what she would do if she returned, and flashes of bad memories crossed her mind, leading her to realize she needed to make changes, including ending her marriage. As she expressed her wish to return, the surgeon performed a second cardiac thump, restarting her heart.
When she opened her eyes, the medical team was astonished. One surgeon freaked out and left the room, while the other asked her to recount the experience. She rested overnight and underwent the planned surgery the next day, recovering in hospital for four days. However, no one would discuss her experience with her.
Life After the Experience
Barbara remained silent about her near-death experience for 12 years. She honored her promise to the being, dissolving her marriage and raising her children alone. She later wrote a list of qualities for an ideal partner and eventually met her current husband, Victor, who has been a steadfast supporter.
Over time, she confided in others, including a friend's mother who introduced her to the term near-death experience and connected her with others who had similar stories. Barbara now believes her experience was meant to help her grow and leave her marriage. She describes it as her life's purpose to share her story and normalize near-death experiences.
No Fear of Death
Barbara emphasizes that she does not believe in judgment after death but rather a life review where we see our actions and connections with others. She believes in reincarnation and soul growth, and that we return home to our origin. She encourages others to develop a direct connection with the divine, regardless of the name they use. Her experience has left her without fear of death, and she looks forward to eventually returning home when her soul's growth is complete.
