An Encounter with the Angel of Death: A Respiratory Therapist's Experience

Working as a respiratory therapist in community hospitals shrouded in the presence of many retirement villages and nursing homes, I was witness to many instances where death stared us in the face. Though my job required me to handle acute respiratory issues, it was the encounters with the Angel of Death that left an indelible mark on my soul.

Witnessing the Unseen

It was not uncommon for me to be summoned at least five times in a single day, often at multiple hospitals simultaneously. However, these calls were not always for the living. They were for the elderly, who were fighting valiantly to stay upright, exhausted and distressed, showing signs of struggle and anxiety.

It is during these moments of distress that an unusual event would sometimes occur. Patients would suddenly turn their heads and look past me, as if they were staring at someone who was not physically present. When I turned around to check, none would be there. Multiple times, I would be told by the patients that the strange figure they saw was a reflection in the window or a trick of the light, but upon close inspection, there would be no reflection, and the curtains would block the view completely.

The Unseen Farewell

These incidents were followed by a moment of unusual calm. The patients, who had been fighting bitterly to stay alive, would suddenly relax and accept what was to come. They would look into my eyes with a look of finality and say, "I have to go."

While my colleagues and I would do everything in our power to offer comfort and treatment, there was an understanding that this was beyond our reach. It was not uncommon that despite our best efforts, the spirit of the dying slipped away, undeterred by all our measures.

A Personal Encounter

One instance stands out vividly in my memory. I was bleeding out during surgery, my heart racing with the fear of a near-death experience. Suddenly, a figure appeared beside me, holding my head as I laid still. He had green eyes, and he looked at me with unwavering intensity, not turning away. I asked a nurse if there was a man behind me, but she denied it, only to confirm it a few minutes later before I slipped into unconsciousness.

For six harrowing days, I lingered between life and death. After regaining consciousness, I was instructed by a voice that could only be described as divine, 'I could die if I wanted, it would not be suicide. I will just die from my injuries.' These words etched a profound understanding of the ephemeralness of life and the inexplicable forces that govern it.

Working as a respiratory therapist, I have encountered the Angel of Death countless times. These incidents have taught me that there are forces at play that are beyond human comprehension. While we may all fear an invisible entity that takes away strife, we also see the acceptance and peace that come in its wake.

Through my experiences, I have come to understand that the Angel of Death is not a personification of fear but a reminder of the ultimate truth. We are all part of something much bigger than ourselves, and our time in this world is finite. Perhaps, in the end, it is not about battles and struggles, but about the peace that comes when our time has truly come.