Post 3: A Near-Death Encounter - A Journey Beyond the Veil

A Surreal Encounter

Last time, I left you with me losing consciousness as a wall of fire grew impenetrably in front of me.  

The next part of my experience was incredibly surreal and profound, something I can’t fully explain but that has given me a deep sense of purpose. Amidst the flames, I found myself in this strange, red-tinted space. I couldn’t see anything clearly, but I could definitely sense and “hear” other presences—maybe souls or some kind of consciousness. It was like being in a different realm where the usual rules and senses didn’t apply. I was at peace.

(This image is a tad dramatic, but oh well!)

In this strange liminal space, I encountered what I can only describe as three or four souls. They communicated with me, assuring me that they were there for me, that there was nothing to fear, and that if I chose to follow them, all would be well. I immediately felt a deep sense of trust towards them, sensing that they were my ancestors—those who had departed this planet before my time. 

However, the most striking moment came when I “heard” the voice of my uncle Padraig. By this time, he must have been outside the garage, actively working to extinguish the flames and rescue me. His message was unequivocal: I was not to go with these entities. He insisted that my time on earth was not yet finished and that I had significant achievements yet to fulfil.

(My Uncle Padraig [far left] called me back from wherever I was)

As time didn’t seem to be a thing wherever I was, I have no concept of how long I was unconscious for but it was a lot longer than I have assumed these past 30 years - more on that in the second half of this post. 

I expressed my gratitude to the three souls but “said” I’m not done with this life yet. As soon as I made this decision, I immediately awoke to the harsh reality of the burning garage raging all around me (luckily I was never consumed by the flames). But these flames were in my peripheral vision as when I found myself easily on my feet, my tunnel vision was directed at the same window Brendan had smashed with his elbow. 

The next sensation was almost beyond comprehension. It felt as though two giant hands had seized me, cupped my buttocks, lifted and propelled me through the small, shoulder height shattered window. Somehow, I only sustained a minor injury—a shard of glass grazing my right ankle.

As I landed, black as soot, in the flower bed below the window, I heard a voice proclaiming, “He’s out!”

Step one of survival achieved, but we were far from out of the danger zone yet!

How do we get him out?

While I was in an inexplainable and peaceful place, it was anything but for my family outside the garage. I can’t speak fully of what happened or the terror they must all have been feeling, but I’ll fill in a few gaps to give you as much context as I can. I’m very much hoping that as this channel grows and I pick up paid subscribers, I’ll be able to spend more time with family and other people along my journey and gather as many perspectives as I can. We all suffered but in a variety of ways - this is not just my story.

Colm (aged 17), as mentioned previously, was in front of the mirror of the upstairs bathroom that overlooked the back garden making himself look pretty to impress the girls at a disco he was to attend that evening (sorry I messed up your plans, mate). He rushed downstairs to raise the alarm. 

Brendan was in panic but still had enough wherewithals to realise that water wouldn’t put the fire out and would in actual fact carry the flames closer to where he assumed I was lying. Because I had no sense of time I’d assumed over the years, because I survived, that I’d awoken fairly quickly but Colm corrected me when we spoke and said I was in there a long time. He was worried that they wouldn’t even find my body, let alone find me alive.    

This feeling must’ve been what motivated him to jump fully clothed into a downstairs shower, wrap himself in wet towels and try to come into where I lay, to find me. I have a lump in my throat just writing this - we never know how brave we are until we are truly tested and you find out who’s really there for you when you really, really need them. I may be painted as the “hero” of this story, but I tell you now - from my perspective - Colm was just the first in line of many heroes that would emerge in my life. 

(I feel grateful Colm [pictured three from the left, blue t-shirt] and I have gone on to share many wonderful memories)

My family weren’t able to get hold of the emergency services that night, they were all alone in figuring out this life-altering event I’d caused. There was a big electrical storm that took someone’s life that night, so my guess is that, in this rural area of the West of Ireland, their resources were being used elsewhere. I’m pretty sure the plan was to get some fire extinguishers from a warehouse business situated a few doors down.  

It will come as no surprise, that over 30 years later, we have slightly varying accounts of what happened that night. I’m eternally thankful that Colm never made into the garage. When I dropped to into the flower bed and heard the shout of, “He’s out!” I think this came from Colm who was about to enter through the burning garage doors. At the very same time, my Uncle saw what Colm was about to risk and stopped him entering, something I’ll always be grateful for.

What to expect next. 

On Friday, in the second instalment of Marc My Words I’ll go into what I think about my Near Death Experience. Are they real? Does something really wait for us when we pass? Insights into what I think it must’ve been like for those there, something I’ve been mediating a lot on these past couple of years. 

Next Wednesday we’ll pick up what happened next. Crucial split second decisions that gave me the slightest of chances of surviving. The 12-mile car journey to the local hospital and then overnight in an ambulance to Dublin. More heroes emerge as the list of people saving my life starts to grow.    

Inspired to Learn More?

If my journey resonates with you, visit MarcConvey.com to discover more about my motivational speaking engagements. Find out how my experiences can inspire your audience or connect with me for a potential speaking opportunity. Let’s inspire and grow together!